Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre instructed officials not to permit felling of 368 large trees at Bangalore Cantonment Railway Colony, Vasanthnagar, where the Railway Land Development Authority has sought approval for a commercial development project. Presiding over a special Karnataka Biodiversity Board meeting on June 25, 2025, he said the colony is a biodiversity hotspot and directed officials to begin the process of declaring it a biodiversity heritage site; no felling is to be permitted until then.

Locals and environmentalists had requested heritage-site status. In April, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike invited objections to felling the trees. Environmental activists also urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to intervene. Khandre had visited the colony the previous week and promised a review meeting. He also directed the committee studying the Western Ghats’ carrying capacity to submit its report within six months.

BBMP’s Forest Department asked the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) to reconsider its commercial project at Cantonment railway station and provide detailed responses to every concern raised at a May 20 public consultation. BBMP said a general reply would not suffice. The authority recorded the proceedings and sent them to RLDA.

A BBMP public notice on April 25 disclosed RLDA’s plan to remove 368 trees at the Bangalore Cantonment Railway Colony campus. Citizens and environmentalists objected; on World Environment Day, activists, religious leaders, including heads of mutts, and citizens held a discussion and rally against the proposal. BBMP Deputy Conservator of Forest BLG Swamy said public sentiment opposed the project.

RLDA said the development would generate revenue for Karnataka Rail Infrastructure Development Company Limited (K-RIDE). The Bengaluru suburban rail project was approved by the Railway Board at a cost of ₹15,767 crore, with a six-year completion period: 20% funded by Karnataka, 20% by the Centre and 60% through loans. Bengaluru biodiversity member Vijay Nishant called for an alternative location and said Karnataka’s Forest Minister had also spoken in favour of protecting the trees.

The Railway Land Development Authority's Commercial Development Project at Cantonment Railway Colony in Vasanth Nagar requires felling 368 trees, including Peepal, Rubber, and Christmas trees, many over a hundred years old. The Deputy Conservator of Forests, BBMP Forest Division, has issued a notification inviting public objections. The public has 10 days to submit comments; the BBMP Forest Department cannot permit tree felling if public opposition is substantial. Environmental activists have launched a campaign titled 'Save Cantonment Heritage Trees,' urging citizens to lodge protests to dcfbbmp12@gmail.com and rldabangalore2022@gmail.com. Biodiversity Management Committee members have criticized the BBMP for entertaining the proposal and plan to approach Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna to scrap the project if it requires cutting trees.

The Railway Land Development Authority (RLDA) under the Ministry of Railways has sought permission to fell 368 trees inside Bangalore Cantonment Railway Colony at Vasanth Nagar for a commercial development project. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) issued a public notice dated April 25 inviting objections. Citizens have 10 days from publication to submit objections or suggestions via email, post, or hand delivery. Tree species and location details are available on the BBMP website. Under Section 8(3)(vi) of the Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act, 1976, BBMP must consider public objections before allowing large-scale tree felling. Local residents express concern that removing nearly 400 mature trees would worsen Bengaluru's air quality and heat issues. Comments should be sent to the Deputy Conservator of Forests, BBMP, and JGM/Civil Expert at RLDA.