Meera Bhardwaj:
The Karnataka Government will soon declare Bangalore Railway Cantt Colony as a Biodiversity Heritage Site in Bengaluru. This will be done under Section 37(1) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and Rule 20 of the Karnataka Biological Diversity Rules, 2005.
In this regard, a public notice has been issued by the Karnataka Biodiversity Board for declaring Bangalore Railway Cantt Colony as a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) soon.
A Green Oasis nestling in the Central district of Bengaluru amidst heavy pollution and concrete structures, the Bangalore Railway Cantt Colony is a significant lung space for the IT city which is fast losing its green cover due to greedy realtors and politicians.
“Further, the BBMP’s Tree Committee has turned into a Tree Clearance Committee by giving clearances for tree felling left and right, allege urban conservationists of the city.
Recently, the Railway Land Development Authority of the Ministry of Railways in collaboration with a real estate developer had applied for felling of almost 400 trees with the Tree Officer, BBMP.
Even as this matter came into light, citizens and activists of Bengaluru have been opposing the project to build a Commercial Complex in this verdant patch of 8 acres as many of them are heritage trees and nearly 100-200 years old.
ESHWAR KHANDRE’S INITIATIVE
In the wake of continuing agitation and protests for months together by environmentalists, conservationists and activists in Bengaluru city, the state govt took action.
Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre took the initiative:
- Personally visited the Bangalore Railway Cantt Colony,
- Inspected the 8-acre-spot with its massive cover of almost 400 trees,
- Called for a meeting of Karnataka Biodiversity Board and
- Directed officials to take up the matter for its immediate declaration as a “Biodiversity Heritage Site.”
In this regard, the Karnataka Biodiversity Board has therefore, called for any objections, suggestions and information from the public regarding the protection and declaration of this precious eight acre-verdant patch in the heart of concrete city of Bengaluru as “Biodiversity Heritage Site.”
Meanwhile, activists, environmentalists and even govt officials said, “There was a growing lobby of realtors and even BBMP officials to clear this green heritage site and turn it into another concrete jungle and therefore, they were keen to go ahead with the felling of 400 trees approximately.
However, with the intervention of Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, the proposal of felling of 400 trees Bangalore Cantt Railway Colony, Central District of Bengaluru has been stalled and stopped.
SUBMISSION OF FEEDBACK BY CITIZENS
Activists have called upon the citizens to come out in large numbers to file their submission in thousands so as to stop the brutal felling of so many trees.
Already, more than 1000 people have submitted their opposition to felling of 400 trees and called for its protection.
Any objections, suggestions, or information related to this declaration can be submitted in writing or via email to:
The Member Secretary,
Karnataka Biodiversity Board,
Vana Vikasa, 18th Cross Road,
Malleswaram, Bengaluru-560003.
Citizens and people of Bengaluru can submit their suggestions regarding the declaration of Bangalore Cantt Railway Colony as a Biodiversity Heritage Site which has a massive cover of 394 trees including ancient heritage trees before 5.30 pm, 8th September, 2025 by:
Email to: [email protected]
IMPORTANT NOTE
Citizens have to file their submissions within September 8, 2025 before 5.30 pm.
Citizens should remember and take active participation to protect their city within September 8th as submissions received after the extended deadline will not be considered.