1,500 Objections, 1,128 Trees: Bengaluru's Hebbal Tunnel Plan Draws Public Ire

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has received more than 1,500 objections to the proposed felling of 1,128 trees for the Hebbal Short Tunnel Project, even as the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has restrained the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) from cutting any trees until the hearing in the case challenging the felling is completed.

The GBA had invited public objections to the proposed tree felling on September 20, setting a 10-day deadline. However, the authority did not upload the list of tree species involved, prompting activists to demand an extension. According to GBA sources, more than 700 objections were received during the first window, with the remaining arriving before the final deadline.

An official told The Hindu that the major objections concerned species diversity and the sheer number of trees proposed to be felled. “Many objections are very detailed and include a list of species to highlight biodiversity. Many have also pointed out one aspect, like microclimate, and elaborated on the impact of cutting trees for that aspect,” the officer said.

Several objections also questioned the size of certain trees, based on independent assessments by those who submitted them. Others highlighted the potential impact on other species, hydrological concerns arising from the alignment’s proximity to Hebbal Lake, and the risk of the area turning into a heat island, given that it serves as a key lung space for the region.

The official said the objections were being filtered and grouped under different themes. “We will send all the objections and concerns raised by citizens to the tree expert committee and the implementing agency, the Bangalore Development Authority,” the officer said.

“The BDA will also review the objections and explain why the trees need to be felled. A joint inspection of the site will also be conducted by the tree expert committee members and the BDA to review the proposal,” the official added.

Meanwhile, the NGT stay order means the BDA cannot fell any trees until December 15, the next date of hearing. Further action can be taken only after the hearing and in accordance with its outcome.

On the question of how many trees would actually be removed, there is a divergence in public statements. During an interaction with The Hindu, BDA Chairperson N.A. Haris had said that only 56 trees would be felled and the remaining trees would be translocated. However, the GBA official clarified that any decision regarding the trees would have to be taken by the tree expert committee.

“Irrespective of whether the trees are translocated or felled, the BDA will have to plant 10 trees for every tree cleared,” the GBA official said.

The Hebbal Short Tunnel Project is part of a wider effort to ease traffic congestion in one of Bengaluru’s busiest corridors. The objections now before the tree expert committee will determine how that infrastructure need is balanced against the ecological value of the affected green cover — a question the tribunal will also weigh when it hears the matter on December 15.