The Bangalore Suburban Rail Project (BSRP) has proposed the clearance of 32,572 trees across the city for the construction of rail link networks and the establishment of four corridors, covering a total distance of 149.348 km. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential environmental impact of this massive tree removal.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report conducted between 2021 and 2023 revealed that Corridor-1 alone requires the conversion of 18.6 hectares of forest land for the construction of a depot at Akkupet near Devanahalli. This corridor is estimated to necessitate the clearing of 7,198 trees. Similarly, Corridor-2 (Biappanahalli Terminal-Chikkabanavar) and Corridor-3 (Kengeri-Cantonment-Whitefield) are projected to result in the removal of 3,469 and 15,045 trees, respectively.
The majority of these trees, including ornamental and common native species such as Arali, Rain tree, and Gulmohar, are located on Indian Railways premises, with some situated on private, BBMP, and other government lands.
Karnataka-Rail Infrastructure Development Company (K-RAID), the implementing agency for BSRP, has identified discrepancies in the number of trees earmarked for clearance, particularly for Corridor-2 and Corridor-4. While the EIA report suggests 3,515 trees for Corridor-2, K-RAID has identified over 6,500 trees. Similarly, Corridor-4 has seen a variance in identified tree numbers.
K-RAID has assured that tree cutting or relocation will only proceed after review by expert committees and obtaining necessary permissions. Additionally, a policy has been devised mandating the planting of 10 saplings for every tree cleared, with coordination between K-RAID and BBMP for sapling plantation.
