The Cantonment Railway Colony was declared a heritage site three months ago.
| Photo Credit: ALLEN EGENUSE J.
With the State government withdrawing its earlier order to bestow biodiversity heritage site tag to the 8.61-acre Cantonment Railway Colony in Bengaluru, environmental activists fear that 368 trees in the colony could face the axe.
Activists said earth movers were brought on Sunday to expedite the construction work in the colony which is home to 50 different species of trees, some of which are more than 70 years old.
Mahesh Basapur of Parisarakkagi Naavu said that on Sunday morning when the activists visited the colony, they spotted earth movers and other equipment which he said was to commence construction activity.
He said that the work is being expedited by a private realty firm with plans to construct a business park on the premises.
“It is very unfortunate the state government has withdrawn its own notification on September 10 which declared the colony a Biodiversity Heritage Site. We have questioned the government why it has reversed its own decision within three months. However, we have not received any reply from them,“Mr. Basapur said.
He added that no tree has been felled in the colony and that those who were present on the site promised the activists that there were no such plans to cut down trees.
“They promised us that no trees will be felled but we are scared that they might do something in the night and we are appealing to the government to protect this lung space,” he added.
On December 6, a notification was issued that an earlier notification issued on September 10 was being withdrawn.
“The Government Notification No.: APG 187 ENV 2025, dated: 10.09.2025, declaring an 8.61 acre green area with 371 trees adjacent to the Railway Cantonment Station, Bengauru as a Biodiversity Heritage Site under the powers conferred under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, is hereby withdrawn with immediate effect,” stated the December 6 notification.
On September 10, Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre announced that the Cantonment Railway Colony area, containing 371 trees from 50 different species, has been declared a biodiversity heritage site.
“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 then.
It can be recalled that 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 public.
Published – December 14, 2025 07:59 pm IST
