‘Plan first, plant first’
‘Plan first, plant first’
The Forest Department, as custodian of our green cover, must weigh this proposal on its full merits. These projects are planned long in advance — afforestation efforts should be too. Instead of planting trees after felling them, why not offset the loss beforehand, submitting afforestation and carbon credit plans with the project itself? Urban spaces must be reimagined — dense Miyawaki-style forests in apartments, business parks, and public campuses can restore ecological balance. We need to move from cosmetic greening to real environmental compensation — timely, deliberate, and dense.
Lt Commander Deokant Payasi (retd), CEO, SayTrees
‘Why cut what you can build around?’
Is it really necessary to raze 626 trees for a non-residential building? The Karnataka Police Housing Corporation should scout for land that doesn’t sacrifice greenery — or find architects skilled enough to design without destruction. Was the public consulted? These decisions feel abrupt and reckless, with no thought to long-term impact. Citizens suffer while the government charges ahead. Instead of new jails, why not focus on judicial reform to address India’s ballooning under-trial population? Infrastructure shouldn’t come at the cost of nature — or common sense.
Brinda Adige, Founder Director, Global Concerns India
‘Green cover is not collateral’
This proposal is not just about trees — it’s about the city’s eroding green lungs. An open jail should coexist with its natural surroundings, not erase them. Our government’s transactional view of trees is short-sighted, with consequences visible in our heatwaves, pollution, and vanishing biodiversity. Compensatory afforestation rules exist, but planting 6,260 saplings means little if survival rates and long-term care are ignored. Where are these saplings? Are they thriving? Bengaluru’s future depends on an honest, transparent, and ecologically responsible model of development — not one that cuts first and counts later.
Priya Chetty Rajagopal, Founder, Heritage Beku
‘Cut trees only after public consent’
Before chopping down 626 trees, why hasn’t the public been consulted? The Police Housing Corporation must explore alternative locations and engage with citizens and environmental groups. If tree felling is unavoidable, at least 6,000–7,000 trees must be planted first, not as an afterthought. We’ll be speaking with BBMP and related departments to demand accountability and prevent irreversible damage. This isn’t just about trees — it’s about civic trust, ecological responsibility, and sustainable governance. Transparency is non-negotiable.
Akshay Heblikar, Director, Eco-Watch