Residents oppose cutting of trees for GAIL plant

Y. Maheswara Reddy | NT

Residents of Sadananda Nagar are up in arms against the decision to cut around 30 fully-grown trees for relocating Gas Authority of India’s (GAIL’s) facility at a park. They blame the authorities concerned for not holding a public consultation before taking such a decision that would affect more than 25,000 people residing in and around Sadananda Nagar.

They staged a protest holding placards. They have also shouted slogans against Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) for marking 29 trees to be cut down to facilitate the relocation of GAIL facilities. They said the authorities had decided to relocate the GAIL facility as it has become an obstacle for the ongoing Namma Metro construction near Benniganahalli.

“Sri Shivakumara Swamiji Park is the only lung space for more than 25,000 people residing at Sadananda Nagar, Jalvayu Towers, Judicial Quarters, Hosanagara, and Krishnaiah Palya. The trees earmarked for cutting are more than 15 years old,” said Manjunath Venkatesh.

The residents said that BMRCL authorities have marked the trees for cutting without following the norms. They said that no notification was issued to inform the public about the decision to cut the trees.

“It is quite shocking to know about the BMCL’s decision to cut the trees. A few days ago, a few officials from the BMRCL a l l e g e d l y attempted to remove the equipment from an open air gym situated at the park. They stopped removing the equipment when a few walkers objected to it,” said Nataraj, a resident.

The residents said that they contacted C.V. Raman Nagar MLA S Raghu to know whether or not the authorities concerned have informed him. “Our MLA told us that he was not aware of the decision to cut the trees. The GAIL authorities told us that BDA had sold the park land for the relocation of their facility. There are many vacant sites owned by the BDA in and around Sadananda nagar. I do not know why the BDA authorities sold the park land to the GAIL , ” said a resident on the condition of anonymity.

Now, the residents have decided to launch a postcard campaign demanding Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai to cancel the proposal to cut the trees and relocate the GAIL’s facility at a suitable location.

“We will approach the court seeking justice if the authorities concerned fail to stop cutting the trees,” said a resident.