Minister of Forests, Ecology and the Environment of Eshwar B. Khandre announced on Wednesday that the area of the Cantonment Railway colonies of 8.61 hectares, which contains 371 trees from 50 different species, was declared the biodiversity of heritage.
The announcement came after Mr. Khandre chaired the meeting of the State Council for Biodiversity in Vikas Judge. “The reconnaissance numbers 1028 and 1047 Cantonment Railway Colony, which are both historically important and environmentally rich, was declared the biological diversity of inheritance under Section 37 of the 2002 biodiversity Act,” he said.
The Minister said that section 34 843 square feet, located in the heart of the city, is not only home to various types of flora, fauna and insects, but also serves as a basic lung space for Bengalur.
“This area also bears historical importance because Mahatma Gandhi interact with freedom in 1920. Trees play a crucial role in reducing carbon dioxide levels, air restrictions and noise and preserving the green city cover,” he said.
On April 25, former Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike issued a notice that the Land Development Authority (RLDA) asked to remove 368 trees in the commercial activity area.
After a public announcement, he received a strong opposition from environmentalists, tree lovers and the general public. In response to this, Mr. Khandre visited the website on June 20 for inspection. After the inspection, the government proposed to declare a place on the site of the inheritance of biodiversity and urged citizens to submit proposals, objections and feedback.
15,000 appeals to protect trees
Online petition against tree felling in Cantonment Railway Colony received 3,081 signatures, while another digital campaign against cutting 368 trees received support from 10,670 people. In addition, 972 environmentalists and citizens sent e -maly to support government step and urgently to protect trees. Several other petitions carrying hundreds of signatures were also submitted.
Overall, more than 15,000 citizens demanded maintaining 371 trees and a statement of place as a place of biodiversity. The survey confirmed the existence of 371 trees in the area.
On the other hand, the government received only two objections to the proposal. Given the public sentiment and concerns, as well as the natural beauty of the place, historical significance, biodiversity and its role as a habitat for migration and local bird species, the Council for Biodiversity was chaired by Mr. Khandre to determine the place for biodiversity.
“The quality of the Bengalur has deteriorated and its green coverage is shrinking. At a time when the world is facing climate change and global temperatures, these 371 trees are most important. This decision is truly historical,” Khandre said.
Published – 10 September 2025 21:10 is
