Collaborative Next Steps for Conservation of Biodiversity Heritage Site Cantonment Grove

The beautiful Cantonment Biodiversity Grove Site

20 Sept 2025

The Honourable Minister Mr. Eshwar B. Khandre,

Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment,

Chairman, Karnataka Biodiversity Board,Government of Karnataka,

Bengaluru.

Email:

Subject: Congratulations on Declaring Cantonment Railway Station a Biodiversity Heritage Site – Proposal for Collaborative Next Steps for its Conservation & Promotion

Respected Sir,

We are writing to you today with immense enthusiasm and a deep sense of optimism to wholeheartedly congratulate you and the Karnataka Biodiversity Board on the visionary and decisive step of declaring the verdant 6-acre plot at the Cantonment Railway Station a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS). This is a landmark initiative that sets a powerful precedent for urban conservation in India.

This declaration is not merely a notification; it is a promise—a promise to the city of Bengaluru and a commitment to future generations that we will protect the rich, breathing heart of biodiversity nestled within our bustling urban landscape. Sir, your leadership in this is truly commendable.

In addition, this 8.61-acre green area is not only home to 371 mature trees from 50 different species but holds historical significance, including being a location where Mahatma Gandhi once addressed a crowd, and being the army early marching ground.

While the declaration is the crucial first victory, we believe the real work—and the real opportunity—begins now. To ensure this site becomes a thriving, celebrated model of urban biodiversity and not just a statically protected space, we must act with collaborative energy. We must inform, educate, empower, conserve, and sustain this natural heritage.

Towards this goal, we humbly propose a framework for the next steps:

1.     Formation of a Focused Steering Committee: We urgently recommend constituting a small, dynamic, and multi-stakeholder committee to chart the immediate and long-term future of the Cantonment BHS. This committee should include experts from ecology and horticulture, digital innovation specialists, representatives from the Railway Authorities, local community leaders, and citizen groups like Heritage Beku to ensure grassroots involvement.

2.     Comprehensive Digital & Physical Accessibility:

o   Scientific Survey: Commission a detailed bio-inventory by a renowned academic institution (e.g., Azim Premji University, GKVK, IISc) to officially document every tree, its age, the resident flora, fauna, and avifauna, creating a vital baseline database.

o   Digital Intervention: Develop a simple app or web portal with interactive maps, information on each species, and digital history trails. This will make the space accessible to students, researchers, and tourists, transforming it into a live classroom.

o   Physical Interpretation: Install elegant, informative signages and markers to educate visitors about the ecological significance of what they are witnessing.

3.     Inclusive Stakeholder Collaboration: The active involvement of the immediate community,  The GBA Bengaluru Central Corporation n(under Mr Rajendra Cholan)  the adjacent railway staff, and the South Western Railway authorities will be key to the site's security and sustained maintenance. Their sense of ownership will be its greatest shield.

4.     Strategic Branding & Synergy: Creating a compelling identity—such as "Cantonment Grove" or "Cantonment Green Mara"—will deepen public recall and connection. Furthermore, since heritage and tourism are intrinsically linked, involving the Department of Tourism  and GBA Central at this stage can help integrate this site into Bengaluru’s heritage walks and tourist maps, making it a must-visit destination.

Sir, we are all keenly aware of the fate of some well-intentioned projects that, without sustained effort, fade from public memory. We must ensure that the Cantonment BHS avoids the neglect seen at sites like the Nallur Tamarind Grove in Devanahalli and instead becomes a benchmark for success.

This initiative also presents the perfect opportunity to look ahead. The success of the Cantonment BHS can be the catalyst for according similar status to other deserving green jewels of Bengaluru, such as the Roerich Estate, Cubbon Park, and Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, further cementing Karnataka’s leadership in ecological conservation.

We, the undersigned, and our associated groups are eager to collaborate, contribute, and provide all possible support to you and the Board. We are ready to discuss and collaborate on detailed plans, expertise, and volunteers to see this through.

We request an opportunity to meet with you at your earliest convenience to discuss these proposals further.

Once again, our heartfelt congratulations on this transformative step. Let us work together to make the Cantonment Biodiversity Heritage Site a national exemplar of urban ecological stewardship.

Thanking you,

Sincerely,

Priya Chetty-Rajagopal

Founder

On behalf of concerned citizens, environmentalists, and heritage enthusiasts of Bengaluru.

Copy:

·       Mr R Cholan, Commissioner, Bengaluru Central Corporation

·       The Principal Secretary, Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment.

·       The Member Secretary, Karnataka Biodiversity Board

·       All Concerned