Bengaluru
Environmental activists in Bengaluru have raised concerns over the unclear impact of tree loss linked to the proposed Orange Line of Namma Metro, even as Phase Three has entered the execution stage, they said. They accuse the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited of failing to clearly disclose the exact number of trees that will be cut or shifted for the project.
According to environmental groups, the Environmental Impact Assessment shared by BMRCL lacks clarity, and the figures mentioned have changed several times over the years. Dattatreya Devare of Bangalore Environment Trust said earlier documents suggested that more than eleven thousand trees would be affected, but later estimates reduced the number to about six thousand.
He said that without precise information on the number of trees, their species, and exact locations, it becomes difficult for citizens to raise informed objections. A separate rapid assessment by Azim Premji University’s School of Climate Change and Sustainability estimated that six hundred fifty-two trees of thirty-four species may be impacted along the five-point-one kilometre stretch between Nagarbhavi Circle and Summanahalli Cross.
Of these, four hundred sixty-three trees have already been marked for cutting, the report stated. Researcher Seema Mundoli said the number of affected trees also changes with different alignments, and added that BMRCL has not shared full details of tree species or final routes.
Activists urged authorities to release transparent data, consult residents, and balance development with environmental responsibility before irreversible damage is caused to Bengaluru’s shrinking urban green cover along the metro corridor and nearby neighbourhoods during planning, construction, and future expansions. Citywide.
