The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has said 1,072 of the 1,128 trees identified along the alignment of the Hebbal Short Tunnel Project in north Bengaluru are proposed to be transplanted, while 56 are proposed to be felled. The proposal will require approval from the Tree Committee.
BDA Chairman N.A. Haris said the authority was taking measures to reduce both traffic disruption and tree loss during construction. He made the statement at The Hindu’s reader connect programme, ‘#THTalksBengaluru’, in Bengaluru on Thursday.
“We have advanced technology for transplanting trees, which will be used to protect the green cover,” Mr. Haris said. He added that more trees could be planted above the tunnel after construction is completed.
The proposed tree intervention had triggered public concern after the Greater Bengaluru Authority invited objections, stating that the BDA had sought permission to fell 1,128 trees belonging to more than 80 species. Online petitions were launched against the project, with one receiving 20,000 signatures, according to the report.
Mr. Haris also rejected concerns that the tunnel would affect underground water flow or Hebbal Lake. He said the alignment was away from the lake and did not pass through the water body. A fresh plan to install filters along the tunnel had also been prepared, he said, to ensure that water movement was not disrupted.
“Scientifically, water will find its way and keep moving; no one can stop water. The water will automatically flow below the tunnel,” he said.
The project has also faced concerns about its impact on traffic. Responding to an Indian Institute of Science study that the short tunnel could create new choke points and underground queues, Mr. Haris said two IISc studies had been conducted and that a flyover would be constructed as an extension to ease congestion.
According to Mr. Haris, the flyover would connect with another elevated corridor at Mehkri Circle, planned by Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited. The proposed connection is intended to allow traffic to move towards east Bengaluru or Yeshwanthpur through different turning movements.
Mr. Haris said the tunnel was being considered because land acquisition, road widening and demolition of buildings were not viable options. He also said that a tunnel would be needed as Bengaluru develops underground transport infrastructure, including metro lines.
The BDA has now agreed to conduct a joint inspection of the project site with non-governmental organisations that raised objections to tree cutting. BDA Commissioner P. Manivannan said the inspection would identify trees that could be saved from felling.
Mr. Manivannan said the 56 trees marked for felling would be examined with the NGOs, which could suggest ways to retain some of them. “If there is a possibility of saving some of the trees by changing the alignment of the tunnel, we are ready for that also, but the NGO has to suggest it to us,” he said. The proposed tree action remains subject to the Tree Committee’s approval.
