The Times of India               25.11.2010

Simple solutions will save Jayamahal's 856 trees

BANGALORE: One of the most beautiful avenues in Bangalore, the Jayamahal main road, can retain its character, charm and critically, the 856 trees, if BBMP were to look at other options like signal synchronisation, junction improvement or even grade separators, say urban planners.

Jayamahal main road has hit the headlines recently because of protests from citizens about the government's decision to fell hundreds of trees to widen the road, all in the name of easing traffic congestion. It's being pointed out that the problem essentially lies at the two ends of the road at the junctions, hence it makes no sense to chop trees, if solutions can be found to ease congestion at the two ends.

The trees on the road sport signs saying, "Please don't kill me please," with last weekend witnessing a public meeting and formation of human chain to protest against road widening on 5 km of Bellary Road and Jaymahal main road. So far trees have been left alone. But there's no guarantee that won't face the axe in the near future.

"The project's still under consideration. A final decision is likely to be taken after a detailed inspection by the chairman of BBMP town planning and major works committees that's likely to happen anytime this week,'' the local corporator N K Gunasekhar told TOI.

Has the protest triggered BBMP to re-think? Not yet. The chairmen of the BBMP standing committees concerned who attended the public meet agreed to give a date to discuss the alternatives but didn't promise to stop work.

H Ravindra, chairman of BBMP major works committee, also makes it very clear that"there's no reconsideration about this project in progress. We have not got any direction from the government to stop it. Those protesting against it are only a few. We should also consider the lakhs of people affected by the traffic congestion here.''

As for the trees being cut, he said, "We have already initiated planting 10,000 sapplings along the stretch. The widening process will take atleast 18 months by which the saplings will have grown considerably.''

Adding to the confusion was his last line, "However, the final inspection will happen as promised to the people but definitely not this week. No trees will be chopped till then but other works related to the project will continue.''

The main problem with the project is that most related works have already begun and are at various stages of progression. The inner wall of the palace has already been demolished and reconstructed in most places. According to BBMP sources, the works had started even before the approval from the state government that landed just two-three weeks back. The lack of transparency is another worry. Even the detailed project report for the Bellary Road widening has nothing more than overall figures.

Voices of protest

"We are not against development. The road really doesn't need to be widened cutting 856 trees. Only two junctions are a problem as the signals very often don't work properly there. Hold off for sometime and consider the alternatives. Most projects are taken up without any planning or public consultation.''

-- Sania Khan, a resident for 15 years

"Why cut so many trees and widen the road when we have other feasible alternatives? What about grade separators at the problem junctions here? We will not allow it to happen. We will hold another protest in the same place if they don't keep up their promise to reconsider.''

__ Preran Choudhary, Wild Forever Foundation (WFF)

HERE ARE THE SOLUTIONS

"Widening Jayamahal main road, in my opinion, should not pose much trouble as there are not many people living on this road. However, the trees along this road are sure a concern and must be carefully dealt with. The BBMP must re-examine the project closely. If required, also look at other alternatives like junction improvement and better signal management.''

__ A Ravindra, adviser to CM on urban affairs

"Our biggest fear about this project is that nothing is clear. Is this road widening essential? Why not look at other alternatives like signal synchronisation, first? For 30,000 people going to airport, should we cut down 856 trees on this road?''

__ Vinay Srinivas, Hasiru Usiru

"All road-widening projects should be put on hold till there is greater clarity on what is the holistic solution for city. We cannot look at isolated stretches. There is no city widening plan. The larger plan should have elements of public and private transport. They should freeze arbitrary road widening projects. City planners should put out what is the city-wide plan for traffic and mobility. Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) should be the integrator agency."

__ V Ravichandar, Chairman, Feedback Consulting