The Cantonment Railway Colony, which was declared a cultural monument three months ago, is now under threat after the state government revoked its notification. | Photo credit: ALLEN EGENUSE J.
With the state government withdrawing its earlier order to grant biodiversity heritage 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 earthmoving machines were brought in on Sunday to speed up construction work in the colony, which is home to 50 different types of trees, some of which are more than 70 years old.
Mahesh Basapur of Parisarakkagi Naavu said that on Sunday morning, when activists visited the colony, they saw earthmoving machines and other equipment, which he said was meant to start construction activities.
He said that the work is being accelerated by a private real estate company with a plan to build a business park in the area.
“It is very unfortunate that the state government withdrew its own notification on September 10, which had declared the colony as a biodiversity heritage site. We asked the government why it changed its decision within three months. But we have not received any response from them,” he said. said Basapur.
He added that no tree had been cut in the colony and that those present at the spot had promised the activists that there were no such plans to cut trees.
“They have promised us that no trees will be cut, but we are afraid that they might do something at night and we appeal to the government to protect this lung space,” he added.
An announcement was made on 6 December that the earlier notification issued on 10 September was being withdrawn.
“Government Notification No: APG 187 ENV 2025 dated: 10.09.2025 declaring a green area of 8.61 acres with 371 trees adjacent to Bengaur Railway Station as a Biodiversity Heritage Site under the powers conferred under Section 37 of the Biodiversity Act is hereby revoked with immediate effect, December 6 notification.
On September 10, Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre announced that the Railway Colony Cantonment area, containing 371 trees of 50 different species, has been declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site.
“This area also has historical significance as Mahatma Gandhi interacted with freedom fighters here in 1920. Trees play a vital role in reducing carbon dioxide levels, curbing air and noise pollution and protecting urban greenery,” he said at the time.
It may be recalled that on April 25, the erstwhile Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike issued a notice announcing that the Railway Development Authority (RLDA) had requested to remove 368 trees in the area for commercial activities.
After the public announcement, the proposal was met with great opposition from environmentalists, tree lovers and the public.
Published – 14 Dec 2025 19:59 IST
