“What will be so green about the ‘Garden City' if the corporation cuts down all the trees? Should we even call Bangalore the ‘Garden City' anymore,” asked Stuti Shah, a class 10 student.
This was the question posed by a large number of people opposing the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike's move to fell trees to widen Jayamahal Road. Around 856 trees that line the road are in danger of being cut down.
Activists, students, members of Bangalore Cycling Club, Wild Forever Foundation, Hasiru Usiru and concerned citizens staged a demonstration against the BBMP here on Sunday.
The protesters showed their concern by hugging the trees. They formed a human chain on Jayamahal Road and held placards with slogans such as: “We need smarter roads not wider roads.”
Deepa Hallyal, a doctor and activist, said, “We do not need widening of roads. All the space that is going waste owing to lack of maintenance should be targeted rather than the trees,” “Chopping down trees also displaces many birds and squirrels,” she added.
Members of Bangalore Cycling Club were all geared up and demonstrated a better way to travel. “Cycling not only reduces traffic congestion but it is also eco-friendly. I cycle 20 km a day from home to office and back,” said Kartik Pannapa, marketing manager with Manthan Systems.
“Traffic management is required. BBMP should go in for alternatives such as building ramps. We require lung space and if they should create more of it,” said Pusha Achanta, activist and writer.
