BBMP prepares to axe trees on Sankey road, citizens gear up for battle

BENGALURU: Amid huge public opposition to the proposed Sankey road widening and flyover project, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is preparing to chop some trees on the road. Locals have warned of holding a massive protest to block the project.

A report prepared by Harini Nagendra and Seema Mundoli of Azim Premji University, and Vijay Nishanth, founder of NGO Vruksha Foundation, highlights that the proposed project will impact the entire ecosystem. But the BBMP seems to have chosen to ignore the dangers the project will pose.

According to the report, about 55 trees of 23 species and 14 families will be cut on the stretch for the project.

Trees marked by the BBMP for chopping for Sankey road widening.

Residents of Malleswaram, Sadashivanagar and Vyalikaval have directed their anger at the BBMP Chief Commissioner over cutting of trees and said that the construction of a flyover is a bad idea. They have also questioned the BBMP how the project is beneficial, while pointing out that the major problem is at Cauvery junction. About 40,000 people have already signed a petition in this regard.

BBMP chief commissioner Tushar Giri Nath said the road widening work will be taken up as mentioned before the High Court.

“We have agreed before High Court that we will take up the Sankey Road widening work and the required number of trees will cut for the work. The BBMP engineers have opined that there is no use of widening the road without having a flyover. We are not finalising it for now because people are opposing the flyover plan. The Department of Urban Land Transport (DULT) has assigned the flyover plan to the Metropolitan Transport Authority for study. If they give the green signal, only then we will proceed with the proposed project”.

Preethi, resident of Malleswaram said no one wants the project and that they will not allow the BBMP to cut trees.

Preethi, a resident of Malleswaram said, “We know what will be the impact of chopping trees. We have already opposed the project and conveyed it to the BBMP Commissioner that there is no necessity of a flyover. It is not the solution for traffic congestion, the problem is at Cauvery junction. They should have some concern about the ecological impact on Sankey Tank. There are also heritage trees along the road. The BBMP should take up holistic development and provide us with answers to the questions we have raised before proceeding with the project. A signature campaign, both online and offline, is going in Vaiyalikaval and Malleswaram, opposing the project. Schools are also supporting us by sending post cards to the CM”.

“Besides, if we, the citizens, do not want the project, then what is the meaning in implementing?” she questioned

Auto driver Nagesh said people will suffer a lot for oxygen if BBMP cut the trees.

An autorickshaw driver Nagesh said, “The actual problem is the magic box near Cauvery junction, not at Bhashyam Circle. If they cut trees, people will suffer, especially senior citizen. There is no need of a flyover here. They can come up with alternate arrangements here”.