The Karnataka High Court has stepped in to provide temporary protection to a significant green lung in India's tech capital. In a crucial interim order, the court has halted the proposed felling of 371 trees located within the Cantonment Railway Station colony in Bengaluru.
Court Order Halts Railway's Plan
The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C M Poonacha, issued a clear directive on Wednesday. "No trees standing on the subject land shall be cut or damaged," the bench ordered, addressing the railways and other concerned authorities. The case has been scheduled for its next hearing on February 13, 2026, and notices have been issued based on the plea.
This judicial intervention came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by former MLA A T Ramaswamy and other citizens. The petitioners raised an alarm about the potential destruction of a biodiverse area spanning 8.61 acres opposite the Cantonment Railway Station.
Background: A Withdrawn Biodiversity Notification
The legal battle stems from a state government notification issued on December 6. This notification withdrew an earlier order from September 10, 2025, which had declared the same region a protected biodiversity site under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
The High Court bench noted the petitioners' concerns, stating, "The petitioner states that there are a large number of trees standing in the area, which is rich in biodiversity. Notwithstanding the same, steps are being taken to fell the said trees in disregard of the concern for the environment."
Railways' Defense and Next Steps
Representing the railways, Additional Solicitor General of India K Arvind Kamath presented a different narrative in court. He argued that no action to cut the trees had been initiated. He informed the bench that an application was being prepared for submission to the Tree Experts Committee. He assured the court that any further steps would be taken only after receiving formal permission from this committee.
The PIL has named multiple respondents, including:
- The Railways
- The State Government
- The Karnataka Biodiversity Board
- The Tree Officer
- The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board
- Bagmane Texworth Pvt Ltd
The High Court has directed all these respondents to file their objections to the PIL. This interim order provides a crucial reprieve for Bengaluru's dwindling green cover, ensuring the 371 trees remain standing until the court examines the matter in detail in 2026.
