Govt. declares 371-tree cantonment area as Biodiversity Heritage Site

Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre on Wednesday announced that the 8.61-acre Cantonment Railway Colony area, containing 371 trees from 50 different species, has been declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site.

The announcement came after Mr. Khandre chaired a meeting of the State Biodiversity Board at Vikas Soudha. “Survey Numbers 1028 and 1047 of the Cantonment Railway Colony, which are both historically significant and ecologically rich, have been declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002,” he said.

The Minister said the 34,843 sq. ft. stretch, located in the heart of the city, is not only home to diverse species of flora, fauna, and insects, but also serves as an essential lung space for Bengaluru.

“The area also carries historic significance, as Mahatma Gandhi had interacted with freedom fighters here in 1920. The trees play a vital role in reducing carbon dioxide levels, curbing air and noise pollution, and preserving the city’s green cover,” he said.

On April 25, the erstwhile Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike issued a notice announcing that the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) had applied to remove 368 trees in the area for commercial activity.

Following the public notice, the proposal received strong opposition from environmentalists, tree lovers and the general public. In response, Mr. Khandre visited the site on June 20 for inspection. Following the inspection, the government proposed declaring the site a Biodiversity Heritage Site and invited citizens to submit suggestions, objections and feedback.

15,000 appeals for tree protection

An online petition against tree felling in the Cantonment Railway Colony received 3,081 signatures, while another digital campaign opposing the cutting of 368 trees drew support from 10,670 people. In addition, 972 environmentalists and citizens sent emails backing the government’s move and urging conservation of the trees. Several other petitions carrying hundreds of signatures were also submitted.

In total, more than 15,000 citizens called for the preservation of the 371 trees and the declaration of the site as a Biodiversity Heritage Site. A survey confirmed the existence of 371 trees in the area.

By contrast, the government received only two objections to the proposal. Taking into account public sentiment and concerns, as well as the site’s natural beauty, historic importance, biodiversity, and its role as a habitat for both migratory and local bird species, the Biodiversity Board chaired by Mr. Khandre resolved to designate the site a Biodiversity Heritage Site.

“Bengaluru’s air quality has already deteriorated, and its green cover is shrinking. At a time when the world is confronting climate change and rising global temperatures, conserving these 371 trees is of utmost importance. This decision is truly historic,” Mr. Khandre said.