The DCF Rural ,Â
Bangalore, Karnataka
Dear Sir/Madam,
It is with a profound sense of dismay that I address the proposed felling of 626 heritage trees at Survey No. 100, within the Devanahalli open ground jail area, Bangalore Rural District. This is not merely about trees; it's about the continued erosion of Bengaluru's green cover and the irreversible damage to our city's delicate ecological balance.
The notion that an "open jail" necessitates such extensive tree clearance seems fundamentally flawed. One would logically assume that an open correctional facility would integrate with, rather than decimate, its natural surroundings. Perhaps a perimeter wall, with minimal tree removal for essential security, would suffice, allowing these vital natural assets to remain. This clearance is reportedly for a new central jail, accommodating only 600 inmates, along with associated non-residential buildings and road infrastructure. While I acknowledge the need for infrastructural progress, it cannot come at the expense of our environmental heritage.
Bengaluru, once celebrated as the Garden City, is increasingly suffering from the "greying of Bangalore." This relentless concretization, often driven by a transactional approach to trees by our city government, treats our invaluable green infrastructure as expendable. The systemic disregard for mature trees, which offer immeasurable environmental services, is alarming. We see the consequences in rising temperatures, declining air quality, and vanishing biodiversity.
The Imperative of Ecological Preservation and NGT Directives
It is crucial to highlight the broader context of our delicate ecosystem's need for preservation. Trees are not just ornamental; they are the lungs of our city, crucial for air purification, oxygen generation, groundwater retention, and temperature regulation. They provide essential habitat for countless species of birds, animals, and insects, contributing to the very fabric of our urban biodiversity. Their preservation is not merely a legal obligation, but a profound moral responsibility we owe to current and future generations.
I must also bring to your attention the significant role of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The NGT has consistently emphasized the "polluter pays" principle and the need for rigorous environmental impact assessments. While the Karnataka Forest (Preservation) Act, 1976, and the Karnataka Forest (Preservation of Trees) Rules, 1977, mandate compensatory afforestation – specifically, 10 saplings for every tree felled, amounting to 6,260 saplings in this case – mere planting is often insufficient. The survival rate and long-term maintenance of these saplings are critical factors often overlooked.
In light of this, I seek urgent clarification on whether  the Karnataka Forest Department already initiated this compensatory plantation process. If so, could you please provide detailed information on the location, current survival rate, and comprehensive ongoing maintenance plans for the planted saplings? Without transparency on these critical aspects, the very purpose of compensatory afforestation is defeated.
Towards a Sustainable Bengaluru
We are not inherently opposed to thoughtful development. However, we vehemently advocate for a development model that integrates ecological conservation as its cornerstone. Sustainable growth demands that our environmental resources, particularly our irreplaceable trees, are protected, replenished, and nurtured in tandem with urban expansion, not sacrificed for it.
I implore the Forest Department to ensure strict compliance with all afforestation laws and to undertake transparent, long-term planning that truly mitigates the ecological impact of any development project. The citizens of Bengaluru deserve a future where development and nature coexist, rather than being pitted against each other.
Thank you for your immediate and serious consideration of this critical matter. We eagerly await your response and urge a public consultation on this issue at the earliest possible opportunity. Let us work together to safeguard Bengaluru's remaining green heritage.
Sincerely,
Priya Chetty-RajagopalÂ
Team Heritage Beku
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