The Karnataka government on Tuesday provided a firm assurance to the High Court of Karnataka, stating unequivocally that there are no intentions to cut down any trees within the famed Lalbagh Botanical Garden for the planned tunnel road project.
This crucial submission was made in direct response to an earlier query from the court. Petitioners, who have filed Public Interest Litigations (PILs) challenging the tunnel road development, had expressed significant worries about potential tree felling. Their concerns were heightened after approximately 6.5 acres of Lalbagh were recently marked off, and public entry to this area was restricted.
Taking note of the government’s clear declaration that no trees would be impacted, a division bench, led by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Poonacha, adjourned the further hearing of the petitions. The next session, slated for December 9, will address various issues surrounding the legality and implications of the project.
The petitioners, including notable actor-director Prakash Belawadi and Adikesavalu Ravindra, contend that the project lacks proper justification. They argue that the proposed construction of tunnel roads, stretching from Hebbal to the Central Silk Board junction with eight entry and eight exit points, operating under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer model, was put forward without a lawful assessment of its economic feasibility, societal and environmental consequences, or constitutional validity.