Rumours about trees being cut for the redevelopment of the BDA complex in Indiranagar caused much angst among residents and citizens’ groups in the area. Many residents said that they would launch a campaign if the development authority planned to fell trees for the new structure.
“To begin with, if the BDA had taken some steps to maintain the complex, the need for redevelopment would not have arisen. Now, it has joined hands with a private player for reconstruction. We don't want a bigger complex at the expense of the trees,” said Swarna Venkataraman, resident, Indiranagar.
Residents also said that the proposed multi-storey complex with shopping outlets and parking space will only add to the vehicular congestion in Indiranagar. “We have been trying to promote cycling by organising Cycle Day. We want more pedestrian infrastructure in Indiranagar and not some massive building, with a lot of parking, encouraging more vehicles to come to the neighbourhood,” said a resident.
Buffer zone violations?
Citizens alleged that the proposed complex, to be built at a cost of ₹657 crore, was in violation of buffer zone regulations. “The Binnamangala lake is within 75 metres of the complex and a rajakaluve is just 25 metres away,” said Ms. Venkataraman.
In December last year, the Namma Bengaluru Foundation had written to the BDA questioning the redevelopment plan, which it said was in violation of the NGT order.
A senior BDA official, however, said the plan is yet to be finalised. “Tree-cutting will be our last option,” he said.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike's forest cell, which needs to authorise tree cutting in the city, is yet to receive any request for cutting trees from the BDA.
