The Times of India            14.12.2010

BBMP work impacted GKVK green cover, biodiversity

Sunitha Rao R | tnn

Bangalore: The BBMP's controversial decision on returning land to GKVK is bound to make it look foolish. While it may be better late than never, the corporation should realize that the damage caused is not small.

According to GKVK, not less than 18,000 trees were chopped for the road work. While there were 220 honey bee colonies earlier, the number has come down to a mere 80, and has had a severe impact on the pollination process, disturbing the biodiversity in the area.

GKVK vice-chancellor K Narayana Gowda told The Times of India that the BBMP's decision would have an impact on the other departments which have been asking for a bit of campus land. Among them are the police, social welfare and fire departments, which may also withdraw their proposals.

"We have spoken to the BBMP commissioner, who has assured that the decision of the standing committee will be upheld in the council. The file will be forwarded to the government. To get the land back will take at least a month. GKVK will start replanting saplings soon after we get orders from the government. This premises is meant for agricultural research to aid farmers of the state," he added.

So far, the BBMP had defended its work of linking Yelahanka and Bellary Road, saying the road was formed as per the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) 1999. "As per the earlier plan, the road was dividing the campus into halves. It was changed so that the road was in the surroundings of the campus. CDP ratification had been sent to the BDA. But after last week's inspection, the major works standing committee had noticed that the 4km road was unscientific and hardly used," Gowda said. It may be recalled that GKVK's former VCs had started `Save GKVK' campaign to safeguard further encroachment of the campus.