Residents, activists take out foot march to oppose Sankey Tank flyover plan

BENGALURU: Local residents, environmentalists and activists staged a symbolic protest wearing black clothes on Sunday to oppose the proposed project Sankey Road flyover construction and to save several heritage trees. They also took out a foot march from Malleswaram 18th Cross to Bhashyam Circle.

Hundreds of locals and activists joined the foot march from from Malleswaram 18th Cross to Bhashyam Circle.

Vijay Nishanth, founder of Project Vruksha said, “We have to have protect the environment for the future generations. Several heritage trees have been marked for chopping due to the flyover project. Traffic congestion will not be reduced by this project and this was even highlighted in the public consultation meeting. Building flyovers, underpass are not the ultimate solution for traffic in the city”.

Vijay Nishanth, founder of Project says construction of flyover or underpass is not a solution for traffic congestion.

He further added, “Trees on the Sankey Tank bed have also been marked to be chopped and this may affect the bio-diversity. Around 55 trees will be cut in the process. We are requesting the government peacefully through symbolic foot march not to go ahead with the flyover project. The CM told us that he will go by public opinion”.

Residents including children of Vyalikaval, Sadashivanagar and Malleswaram had demonstrated their opposition to the project by hugging and climbing trees, after 17 of them were cut for the flyover project. They also submitted letters to the Chief Minister.