In a significant environmental victory, the Bengaluru High Court has issued a restraining order to immediately stop all tree cutting activities within the bio-reserve park located on Bangalore University's Jnanabharathi campus.
Court Directs Submission of Tree Cutting Details
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice CM Poonacha delivered the crucial order on Friday, responding to concerns about widespread tree removal on the educational campus. The court has mandated that respondents must provide comprehensive documentation about trees already cut or relocated by December 9, which marks the next hearing date.
The judicial intervention came following a public interest litigation filed by Swayam Jagruti Trust, a Bengaluru-based non-governmental organization, along with social activist Parvati Sriram. The legal challenge questioned the allocation of land on the Jnanabharathi campus to various entities and the permissions granted for tree removal.
Alarming Scale of Tree Removal Revealed
During court proceedings, the petitioners' counsel revealed disturbing information that despite the pending legal matter, significant tree cutting and transplantation had already occurred. More alarmingly, the bench was informed that one respondent had issued a public notice to cut 350 trees, indicating the massive scale of the planned deforestation.
The court specifically noted that while nothing could be done to restore trees already cut or translocated, immediate measures were necessary to prevent further environmental damage. The restraining order applies to approximately 40 entities including Bangalore University, Greater Bengaluru Authority, state government, and prestigious institutions like National Law School of India University (NLSIU).
Wider Implications for Campus Land Allocation
The petitioners also sought judicial intervention to halt proposals allocating campus land to several prominent educational bodies. The allocation list includes University Grants Commission (UGC), Central University of Karnataka, National Assessment and Accreditation Council, University of Visvesvaraya College of Engineering, and NLSIU.
Particular concern was raised about clearance granted to Bangalore University to cut 192 trees in Bio Reserve Park-2 for PM USHA, a UGC-funded project. The bio-reserve park holds special significance as it forms part of an old forest area and represents a historical site that environmentalists argue deserves protection.
This case highlights the ongoing tension between developmental projects and environmental conservation in rapidly urbanizing Bengaluru, where green spaces have become increasingly precious commodities requiring legal protection.
