Bengaluru: A proposal to construct a ‘Reshme Bhavan’ by the Sericulture Department near Okalipuram has triggered concerns, as around 575 trees may be cut for the project.

The department plans to build the structure on about 4.2 acres of its land and has already submitted a proposal to the forest wing of the Greater Bengaluru Authority seeking permission to remove the trees. This has led to objections from environmentalists and members of the public.

Following the objections, officials of the forest wing have asked the Sericulture Department to respond to the concerns raised. The department’s next step is being closely watched.

The proposed site includes land in survey numbers 12, 14 and 17 at Muddenahalli in Okalipuram. There are a total of 628 trees on the land, and if permission is granted, only 53 trees may remain.

Sources said the Sericulture Department office has already been shifted to the Mysore Sugar Company building on JC Road.

Officials stated that objections received from the public and environmental groups have been forwarded to senior authorities in the department, but a response is yet to be received.

Expert committee to decide

Since objections have been raised, authorities are waiting for the department’s reply. If submitted, it will be placed before a tree expert committee, which will take the final decision. No final decision has been made so far.

The state government had approved the construction of Reshme Bhavan in 2024, with an estimated cost of Rs 528 crore. The Public Works Department has been assigned to carry out the project. However, the issue of tree cutting has become a key concern.

As per the Karnataka Tree Preservation Act, trees in Bengaluru cannot be cut without approval from the Deputy Conservator of Forests under the Greater Bengaluru Authority. If approval is considered, the expert committee will inspect the site before making a decision.

Various tree species present

The land has several types of trees, including silver oak, neem, tabebuia, mahogany, jackfruit, gulmohar and ashoka trees.

Environmental experts have raised concerns about the declining green cover in Bengaluru, stating that many trees have already been cut in the name of development in recent years.

A retired professor from Bengaluru University, Renukaprasad, said that the city’s green cover is already in a poor state and tree cutting should not be allowed. He suggested that if needed, the department can redesign and expand existing buildings vertically instead of removing trees.