Embassy East Business Park accused of illegal tree felling in Bengaluru

Embassy East Business Park accused of illegally felling 101 trees in Bengaluru, violating the Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act; GBA forest cell files complaint

The forest cell of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has lodged a formal complaint against Embassy East Business Park Private Limited, alleging that the company felled 101 trees without obtaining mandatory permission. The complaint, filed by the Range Forest Officer of Bengaluru East City Corporation, states that the act violates Section 8 of the Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act, 1976, which makes unauthorized tree felling a punishable offense.

Although the incident reportedly occurred in December, it has only recently come to light. Authorities claim that the company not only cut down the trees but also transported the timber without approval. The case has sparked concern among environmental activists, who point to a history of similar violations by the same group.

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Records indicate that in 2007, illegal tree felling by the company was detected and an FIR was registered, resulting in a penalty of one lakh rupees. While activity slowed for some time thereafter, activists allege that in 2020, permission was granted by the BBMP Forest Cell to fell 42 trees. This approval, they argue, was used to bypass legal requirements, as cutting more than 50 trees demands public notification and a hearing.

Between 2022 and 2025, hundreds of trees are believed to have been removed under this disputed authorization. The latest complaint has reignited debate over enforcement of environmental laws and the accountability of corporate entities in Bengaluru’s rapid urban expansion.

The GBA forest cell has urged strict action, emphasizing that unchecked tree felling undermines ecological balance and violates established legal safeguards. The matter is now under investigation, with further proceedings expected in the coming weeks.

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