Save Jnanabharathi Biopark: stop the felling of 419 trees

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To:

DCF BBMP

Registrar, Bangalore University

DCF Bengaluru Urban

Jnanabharathi campus

5393 objections sent as of June 26, 2025

Campaign started by:

Parvathi Sriram, General Secretary, Parisarakaagi Naavu

Dr. T J. Renuka Prasad, Jnanabharathi

The biodiversity park in Bangalore University's Jnanabharathi campus is under imminent threat! The University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE), recently granted 50 acres of land within the campus, is planning to build a new academic block inside the designated biopark zone at the cost of 419 heritage trees!

This space is an ecological treasure that supports biodiversity, recharges groundwater, regulates temperature, and offers citizens an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. But this green sanctuary is now under threat.

Before any construction can take place within an ecologically sensitive zone like the Jnanabharathi biopark, it must undergo due environmental and legal clearances.

Under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, such a project may require prior Environmental Clearance from the Karnataka State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), especially given the large-scale tree felling and its subsequent ecological impact.

Additionally, as per the Karnataka Tree Preservation Act, 1976, cutting down 419 trees legally requires explicit permission from the Tree Officer, along with a compensatory afforestation plan and public objection process, which is presently underway.

The area is often referred to as the lungs of Bengaluru. Around 30 acres have been planted with species native to the Western Ghats, and the site hosts a significant number of sandalwood trees. It also supports approximately 175 species of birds. Clearing this space would have a serious impact on the city’s ecological balance.

Instead of opting for vertical expansion within the already-developed parts of campus, authorities are now pushing for new infrastructure by clearing forested land, putting the delicate ecological balance of the biopark in danger. What’s even more alarming is that this decision comes at a time when Bengaluru’s green cover is already critically low, with only 3% tree cover citywide.

We are urging the Deputy Conservator of Forests and other officials to immediately halt all construction within the biopark zone. Any proposed infrastructure projects must be shifted to already built-up areas, using vertical construction if needed. This ecological haven must be protected and preserved for future generations.

We have got just 6 days to send in our objections to this proposed project that will pose adverse consequences, not just for the university but for Bangalore’s ecology.

June 29, 2025 is the last date to register your objections. Send in your objections today!

Sources:
Greens raise concerns over UVCE’s new academic block in bio park

Subject (required):

Dear (cc ),

Email body

Dear Sir,

As a citizen of Bangalore I am objecting to the removal  of 419 trees for Construction of Academic Block and Research Centre in Sy. no. 06 in Jnanabharati Campus, Bangalore.

As an environmentalist, I object to the removal of 419 trees without sufficient reason:

1. Does the Forest Department know the value of 419 trees which are in Jnanabharathi campus? These are required to maintain the ecological balance and lung space of Bangalore Garden City.

2. Has the Forest Department already initiated and planted 419 x 10 plants as per Karnataka Forest Preservations Act 1976 and Karnataka’s Forest Preservation trees rules 1977?

3. The Karnataka Forest Department must preserve the trees to maintain the ecological balance for the local public. Trees are the only natural source of oxygen for humans, and other living beings – such as animals and birds – cannot survive without them, as forests are their natural habitat. We must also safeguard this ecological system for future generations, as it provides free and essential oxygen.

4. Tree roots have the natural ability to retain rainwater, helping to recharge groundwater and regulate the climate by keeping it cool.

5. Since this is forest land, and no gazette notification has been issued by the government, the area continues to be classified as a forest. With Bengaluru having only 3% tree cover, it is critical that we protect the city’s remaining green spaces and refrain from cutting any trees on the Bangalore University Jnanabharathi campus.

6. The 75 acres of encroached land within Bangalore University must be vacated immediately. The Registrar, being a senior KAS officer, should ensure that this land is used solely for university purposes. Alternatively, the university should make better use of its existing large buildings and consider vertical expansion to preserve the vital green lungs of Bengaluru.

Therefore, as concerned citizens, members of the public, and environmental activists, we strongly object to the proposed cutting of 419 trees on the Jnanabharathi campus.

Thank you.

CC to:
dcfbbmp12@gmail.com
bu2registrar@gmail.com
dcfurban82@yahoo.co.in
bengalurujvs@gmail.com

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