Environment Minister Eshwar Khadre visited the Bangalore Cantonment Railway Colony at Vasanth Nagar on Friday, where the Railway Land Development Authority (RLDA), under the Ministry of Railways, has sought permission to cut 368 trees for a railway commercial development project. The Minister assured the public that a meeting with officials would be called to review the matter.

In April, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had issued a public notice inviting objections to the proposed felling of 368 trees located inside the colony.

Environmental activists have written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urging him to immediately intervene and prevent the felling of 368 trees.

In the wake of this and responding to the request made by environmentalists that this area, which has huge trees of various species, should be preserved as a breathing space and it should be declared a biodiversity heritage site, Mr. Khandre promised to call a meeting of officials and review the matter.

BBMP Forest Department officials present at the site apprised the Minister about details of the tree species in the site and said that there has been widespread opposition from the public.

Of the 2041 acres of forest land, encroachment has been cleared for 128 acres worth about ₹4,000 crore in the last two years, the Minister said.