World · India Bureau
Over 70 tree species to be felled for Bangalore's Hebbal tunnel project
A major infrastructure development in Bangalore will result in the removal of more than 1,100 trees, with over 70 species affected by the Hebbal tunnel project. The trees marked for felling include several valuable and ecologically significant species native to the region.
LSN India ·
The Hebbal tunnel project in Bangalore has identified 1,128 trees for removal as part of its construction phase, according to project documentation. The trees span over 70 different species, reflecting the ecological diversity of the area slated for development.
Among the species facing removal are Indian Kino, Big-leaf Mahogany, Beleric Myrobalan, Indian Jujube, Maple-leafed Bayur Tree, Paper Mulberry, and Yellow Tabebuia. Many of these species hold ecological and commercial significance, with some traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional forestry practices across South India.
The project represents one of Bangalore's significant infrastructure undertakings aimed at easing traffic congestion in the rapidly expanding metropolitan area. Such large-scale urban development projects typically trigger environmental assessments and compensatory afforestation requirements from local authorities.
The extensive tree-felling requirement has drawn attention from environmental advocates and local communities concerned about the cumulative impact of urbanization on the city's green cover. Officials have not yet detailed plans for compensatory tree plantation or mitigation measures to offset the ecological loss from the project.