150-Year-Old Lalbagh Trees at Risk? Karnataka HC Raises Shocking Alarm Over Tunnel Road Project

The Karnataka High Court has sought detailed clarification from the state government regarding the felling of trees within the iconic Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bengaluru for the proposed tunnel road project. During a hearing, the bench expressed concern over reports suggesting that ancient trees, some over a century old, could be removed to make way for the infrastructure project. The court has asked the government to provide precise data on the number of trees affected, their age, and the environmental impact assessment conducted prior to project approval.

Officials from the state government have been asked to submit a detailed breakdown of the number and species of trees proposed for removal, along with their estimated age and ecological value. The High Court emphasised that mere assurances of compensatory plantation will not suffice, especially for mature trees that provide critical habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife. Experts argue that the environmental services offered by century-old trees, including carbon storage and shade regulation, cannot be replaced quickly or fully by saplings.

During the proceedings, environmentalists presented data highlighting that Lalbagh has already experienced stress due to urban expansion, pollution, and earlier construction activities. They warned that cutting even a small number of trees could exacerbate the microclimate effects, reduce air quality, and harm the overall biodiversity of the garden. Legal representatives for citizen groups argued that the project violates principles of sustainable development enshrined in Indian environmental law.

The Public Works Department defended the project by stating that the tunnel alignment has been optimised to minimise tree felling, and the construction will follow strict guidelines to protect the garden’s flora. Officials also assured the court that noise and dust mitigation measures would be implemented during the construction phase. Despite these assurances, the bench sought independent verification, stressing that the government must demonstrate concrete steps rather than general commitments.

Environmental scientists have highlighted that Lalbagh’s trees serve as a carbon sink and play a crucial role in mitigating urban heat islands in Bengaluru. Several species, including native sandalwood, ficus, and banyan trees, are particularly valuable for ecological balance and heritage conservation. Experts argue that the loss of mature trees could have long-term consequences on soil quality, water retention, and local climate regulation, which urban projects often underestimate.

Public sentiment has intensified following media reports and social media campaigns warning of potential ecological damage. Citizens’ forums have called for alternative routes outside Lalbagh that could achieve traffic decongestion goals without compromising green cover. Petitions submitted to the High Court stress that urban development must harmonise with conservation priorities, particularly in areas designated as protected heritage sites.

The proposed tunnel road is part of a larger plan to connect key traffic nodes in the city and reduce congestion along critical corridors. While the project promises faster commutes, urban planners acknowledge the difficulty of reconciling infrastructure needs with ecological preservation. Experts suggest that adopting elevated or underground alignment alternatives outside the botanical garden could address both traffic and environmental concerns.

The High Court has also suggested that the state consider conducting a third-party environmental impact assessment (EIA) to verify claims regarding tree preservation and compensatory afforestation. Such independent audits are intended to ensure accountability and provide an unbiased evaluation of ecological risks before construction proceeds. Petitioners welcomed this suggestion, stating that an impartial assessment could prevent irreversible damage to Lalbagh’s delicate ecosystem.

Local residents have voiced mixed opinions, with some supporting the tunnel for its promise of smoother traffic, while others insist that Lalbagh’s ecological and cultural significance should not be compromised. The debate reflects a larger urban dilemma in Bengaluru, where growing populations and rising traffic pressures conflict with heritage conservation and environmental sustainability. Many citizen groups argue that sustainable urban planning should prioritise green spaces as essential public assets.

Legal experts note that the High Court’s scrutiny may set an important precedent for infrastructure projects in Bengaluru and other urban centres. The case underscores the judiciary’s role in enforcing environmental laws and protecting heritage green spaces, especially when development plans pose potential threats to biodiversity. Observers suggest that the court’s eventual decision could influence how future urban projects are designed, evaluated, and implemented across India.

Meanwhile, environmental organisations have proposed long-term conservation plans for Lalbagh, including tree mapping, biodiversity monitoring, and the establishment of buffer zones around heritage trees. Such measures, they argue, could allow for infrastructure development in the city while safeguarding ecological and cultural assets. As the government prepares its response to the court, all eyes remain on whether Bengaluru’s iconic botanical garden can be preserved amid the pressures of modern urbanisation.

Lalbagh, renowned for its rich biodiversity and historic value, is home to over 1,800 species of plants and several rare flora, many of which are centuries old. Environmentalists have repeatedly flagged the potential ecological damage that the tunnel road could cause, including loss of green cover, disruption of habitats, and long-term impacts on air quality in central Bengaluru. Advocates argued that the city’s increasing urbanisation must be balanced against preserving heritage green spaces that play a critical role in maintaining ecological equilibrium.

Court Demands Transparency from State Authorities

During the proceedings, the High Court questioned the authorities on the rationale behind selecting Lalbagh as part of the tunnel road alignment. Petitioners, representing citizen groups and environmental organisations, claimed that alternative routes were not adequately explored and that the project could lead to irreversible ecological damage. The court directed the government to file a comprehensive affidavit, including details on tree-cutting plans, compensatory afforestation measures, and the environmental clearance obtained from competent authorities.

Officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development & Finance Corporation (KUIDFC) appeared before the bench, asserting that the project aims to reduce traffic congestion in the heart of the city while adhering to environmental norms. They claimed that the alignment was chosen after extensive technical surveys, and any tree felling would be mitigated through a compensatory plantation program in consultation with forest experts. However, the bench expressed scepticism over these assurances, stressing that Lalbagh’s ecological and historical significance requires extra caution.

The Karnataka High Court’s intervention signals the judiciary’s active role in balancing urban development with environmental conservation. Experts suggest that the outcome of this case could set a precedent for future infrastructure projects in Bengaluru and other cities where heritage and ecology intersect with urban planning. The government has been urged to provide transparent, verifiable data and consider citizen and expert inputs before taking irreversible steps that could permanently alter Lalbagh’s landscape.

Environmental experts have pointed out that mature trees cannot be simply replaced, even with compensatory plantations, due to their role in maintaining soil stability, carbon sequestration, and urban microclimates. “A 100-year-old tree provides ecological services that saplings cannot match for decades,” said Dr. Kavitha Rao, a botanist and conservationist. Public opinion has also been vocal, with several citizen petitions urging the government to reconsider the alignment and explore alternative routes outside the botanical garden.

The proposed tunnel road is part of the city’s broader plan to improve traffic flow along the Outer Ring Road and connect key transit points. Officials maintain that the project will reduce congestion and shorten commute times, benefiting thousands of daily commuters. However, the controversy has highlighted the tension between urban development priorities and the preservation of heritage green spaces, raising questions about planning processes and stakeholder consultation.

The High Court has scheduled the next hearing to review the government’s affidavit and has asked that independent environmental experts be consulted to verify the claims regarding tree felling and compensatory measures. Petitioners hope that the court’s intervention will prevent large-scale ecological damage and ensure that Lalbagh’s heritage is preserved for future generations.

Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Activists have also highlighted the broader implications of urban projects on Bengaluru’s green cover. Studies indicate that the city has lost a significant portion of its trees over the past decade due to infrastructure development. Lalbagh, being a protected botanical garden, is seen as a critical ecological and cultural asset, making the court’s scrutiny of government plans particularly significant.

Local residents have expressed mixed reactions. While some support the tunnel road project as a solution to chronic traffic congestion, others argue that no traffic solution should come at the cost of irreparable damage to Lalbagh’s ecosystem. Social media campaigns and petitions are amplifying public voices, urging authorities to consider sustainable alternatives that protect heritage green spaces while addressing urban mobility needs.

The Karnataka High Court’s intervention signals the judiciary’s active role in balancing urban development with environmental conservation. Experts suggest that the outcome of this case could set a precedent for future infrastructure projects in Bengaluru and other cities where heritage and ecology intersect with urban planning. The government has been urged to provide transparent, verifiable data and consider citizen and expert inputs before taking irreversible steps that could permanently alter Lalbagh’s landscape.

As the matter unfolds, environmentalists and citizens remain vigilant, emphasising that Lalbagh is not merely a city park but a living heritage site with ecological, cultural, and historical significance. The court’s orders may determine whether development can proceed without compromising one of Bengaluru’s most treasured green lungs.