High Court Seeks Detailed Report on Tree Cutting at Bengaluru University Campus
Court Demands Clarity on Extent of Tree Loss
The Karnataka High Court has directed Bengaluru University to submit a detailed affidavit outlining the exact number of trees cut, transplanted and remaining within the Jnanabharathi campus. The division bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Poonacha issued the instruction while hearing a public interest litigation challenging large-scale tree removal inside the 1,112-acre campus. The matter has been adjourned to December 9.
Petitioners Raise Alarm Over Depleting Green Cover
The PIL was filed by C. Ajay Kumar, president of the Nagarika Swayam Jagruthi Seva Trust, and Koramangala resident Parvathi Shriram, who questioned the continuous felling of trees and allocation of campus land to multiple institutions. They argued that Jnanabharathi—home to medicinal plants, bamboo groves, butterfly zones and natural water sources—represents one of Bengaluru’s last surviving green spaces.
“Our concern is that unchecked construction projects are threatening the campus’ biodiversity,” the petitioners submitted, urging the court to restrict any further land allotment.
University Confirms Cutting of 137 Trees
Representing the university, counsel informed the bench that permission had been granted earlier to cut 138 trees for various reasons. “Of these, 137 trees have already been felled,” the lawyer stated. He added that the university had also approved the transplantation of 54 trees, of which 50 have been moved. The court instructed the university to furnish a complete breakdown of these figures in its affidavit.
Additionally, on the request of the petitioners, the bench directed the Vice-Chancellor to allow them to visit the campus and photograph the areas where trees were removed.
The court will review the affidavit and further submissions in the next hearing.
