Infrastructure is important but so is saving, relocating trees in Bengaluru

Infrastructure projects such as the signal-free corridor, multiple alignments of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and road projects on the city's outskirts are taking a huge environmental toll due to the big number of trees felled.

Is this sustainable? Here is what Bengalureans feel about the entire issue:

Chandru K, a resident of Rajarajeshwari Nagar has this to say: “Infrastructure is a requirement based on the needs of the public. But if they are chopping trees in the process of building such projects, they need to relocate them to ensure that the eco-balance is maintained.”

It is wrong, he says, if the authorities are not making any attempt to save the trees. “Indeed, the Metro project is very important considering the commute needs of the increasing population. So we can't say not to Metro. But unnecessary chopping of trees is not recommended. Development should be sustainable.”

For Aravindhan B, a resident of Wilson Garden, maintaining the balance is a tricky prospect. “Indeed, it is wrong to chop down trees. We are all aware about global warming and cutting down trees is a major problem in developing countries. I really don't know how we can help it.”

However, he says, the Metro is the easiest way to skip road traffic and commute without hassles in Bengaluru. “Everything has its own pros and cons. Trees, when cut, should be shifted immediately like they do in developed cities.”

Karthikeyan S, an entrepreneur, says chopping trees and not relocating them is “a pretty disappointing exercise. They can’t keep felling trees to make way for multiple human commute needs. Trees are as important as the Metro.”

He continues, “I know relocating trees is expensive. But think about the high cost of a single Metro pillar. If the government can spend that kind of money on the Metro, they should be able to allocate a part of it in saving the trees too. Future generations will be thankful.”

Lamenting on the loss of greenery in a city that once took pride in its 'Garden City' tag, Karthikeyan notes, “Bengaluru is not the Garden City anymore. Maybe we have Cubbon Park. I have been living here for the last 30 years, and it has changed a lot for the worse.”

There is no sustainable development at all, he says. “The maximum temperature has been shooting up over the years. The climate was so pleasant throughout the year before. As for striking a balance, the only option is to relocate trees. There is enough space to do that.”

Abhishek Nishanth Paul, a student of St Joseph's College is concerned that the indiscriminate felling of trees will further worsen the city's already poor air quality index. “Trees are more important than Metro and signal-free corridors. Cutting trees should be prohibited.”

He says the Metro is a good commute option. “But we should also promote sustainable mobility options such as cycling, which is good for health. At the end of the day, we have to live. How can we live in this world without oxygen that trees assure?” he wonders.