Bengaluru Tunnel Project To Fell Over 1,100 Trees

Bengaluru's upcoming Hebbal short tunnel project is slated to fell over 1,128 trees, encompassing more than 70 diverse species. This extensive environmental undertaking covers a 2.2-km stretch and has sparked significant concern among experts and citizens regarding biodiversity loss.

Environmentalists predict a substantial impact on the city's microclimate, forecasting a potential temperature increase of at least two degrees Celsius. The destruction of these trees will eliminate vital oxygen banks, disrupt underground water levels, and displace local wildlife, creating heat islands within the urban landscape.

Adding to the controversy, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has faced criticism for its handling of the public objection process. Details regarding the trees marked for felling were to be uploaded for review, but as of three days after the public notice, these lists remain unavailable, hindering citizens' ability to voice concerns effectively.

A petition opposing the Hebbal Short Tunnel project, which has garnered over 20,000 signatures, calls for an immediate halt. The petition advocates for independent assessments of the project's environmental, hydrological, traffic, and safety impacts, highlighting citizen demands to protect Bengaluru's green spaces.