Bengaluru tree felling proposals linked to a power transmission upgrade and two road projects have placed 541 trees at risk across Hoodi and Yelahanka, according to recent Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) memorandums and public notices. The proposals include cutting, translocation and possible removal of trees for electricity infrastructure, an underpass, service roads and road upgrades.
The largest proposal concerns a Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) project in Hoodi. The project will construct a gas-insulated substation and associated infrastructure, along with a 4.683-km underground cable connecting the new facility to an existing substation. KPTCL has said the work is required to strengthen Bengaluru’s power transmission network and support uninterrupted electricity supply to major load centres, where existing substations have reached their maximum peak loads.
A GBA memorandum states that 337 trees will be affected at the KPTCL site. The Tree Expert Committee recommended cutting 321 trees and translocating 16, while retaining three of the 340 trees originally identified at the project location. The committee’s assessment followed site inspections in March and April, during which it examined the trees’ condition, species, ecological importance and prospects for retention or relocation. It also discussed whether changes to the project design could save additional trees.
The 16 trees recommended for translocation are proposed to be moved to vacant land within KPTCL premises near its residential quarters, around 100 metres from the existing site. The GBA has directed KPTCL to plant 10 healthy saplings for every tree felled or translocated, resulting in a requirement for 3,370 saplings. KPTCL must maintain the saplings for at least five years and submit photographs and records as proof. The memorandum also requires regular monitoring of both the relocated trees and the new plantations.
Two separate public notices cover another 204 trees facing possible removal for road projects. The Bengaluru East City Corporation has sought permission to fell 105 roadside trees for an underpass and service roads at Big Bazaar Junction on ITPL Main Road in Hoodi. The work is part of a proposed signal-free corridor, with trees on both sides of the road and on the median falling within the project area. The listed species include Peltophorum, rain tree, Ficus benjamina, gulmohar, neem, tamarind, jackfruit, mango and sapota-related species.
The second road proposal covers 99 trees within Air Force Station, Yelahanka. An application from the Defence Estates Officer led the GBA to issue a public notice on October 7 for road widening, resurfacing and associated infrastructure works under the Annual Major Works Programme for 2026–27. The plans include stretches proposed for four-lane widening, two-lane works, resurfacing, footpaths and drainage improvements. The inventory includes neem, Ashoka, tamarind, gulmohar, silver oak, mango, eucalyptus and rain trees. Ten of the 99 trees are identified as sandalwood trees, which Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited will handle separately. Authorities propose to value the remaining 89 trees and dispose of them through public auction under the prescribed procedure.
The GBA has also extended the period for citizens to object to tree felling connected to the Bangalore Development Authority’s Hebbal short tunnel road project. The notification issued on October 7 grants an additional 10 days from its publication date after technical problems prevented the authority from uploading the public notice and supporting tree inventory to its website. The project involves a three-lane, bi-directional underpass on Bellary Road between Hebbal Junction and the University of Agricultural Sciences staff quarters. Citizens have been asked to submit clear, specific and relevant objections, comments and suggestions on the proposal.
