Sankey flyover proposal hits roadblock

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Citizens for Sankey, a group opposing the proposed widening and flyover project on the Sankey Bund Road, have put out an appeal to celebrate ‘Tree Hug Day’ on 14 February instead of the now withdrawn ‘Cow Hug Day.’

“Trees are also revered as ‘Kalpa Vriksha’ and ‘Bodhi Vriksha’ because of their nourishing nature like a mother, the giver of all riches to humanity… In view of the immense benefit trees offer, hugging them will bring emotional richness, hence increasing our individual and collective happiness,” the group pleads.

The proposed Sankey Tank Bund Road widening and flyover project will cost the city over 50 heritage trees amid an already depleting green cover. While local residents have seriously opposed the axing of trees, environmentalists have warned of severe ecological implications. Facing severe flak from residents in the vicinity, the BBMP is now considering dropping the project.

C N Ashwath Narayan, the MLA of Malleswaram constituency has said that the proposal has now been brought before the CM-led Bengaluru Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA) where its advantages and disadvantages will be discussed in detail before announcing the final decision. The BBMP on Thursday submitted documents with regard to the construction of the flyover