Govt withdraws ‘Biodiversity Heritage Site’ tag for Cantonment Colony just three months after declaration

The Forest Department’s sudden withdrawal of the Biodiversity Heritage Site order for Bengaluru’s Cantonment Railway Colony sparks public anger and questions over government credibility.

In a move that has triggered widespread criticism, the Karnataka Forest Department has abruptly withdrawn its order declaring 8.61 acres of land in the Cantonment Railway Colony as a Biodiversity Heritage Site. The original notification was issued on September 10, but the department revoked it on December 6, offering no explanation for the sudden decision.

Also Read:Bengaluru’s Cantonment Railway Colony may soon be declared a ‘Biodiversity Heritage Site’

The area in question is known for its 371 heritage trees belonging to more than 50 different species, making it one of Bengaluru’s dense, ecologically significant green pockets. The site had been marked for protection after environmental groups raised strong objections to the Railway Department’s plans to clear trees for development works. Their protests had pushed the government to safeguard the land by granting it heritage status.

However, the latest withdrawal has raised concerns about whether the government has reversed its stance due to pressure from other departments, especially as the order was cancelled without mentioning any grounds.

Also Read:After long protests, finally 371 trees spared at Cantonment Railway Colony in Bengaluru

Environmentalists and residents who were part of the earlier campaign have expressed disappointment, saying the government has “gone back on its word” and ignored its own commitment to protecting the city’s green cover. The reversal, they say, undermines public trust and may reopen the door for large-scale tree removal in the Railway Colony area.

With the Forest Department yet to clarify the reason behind the move, citizens are demanding transparency and an immediate explanation on why a protection order issued just three months ago was nullified so abruptly.

Also Read:Bengaluru turns into a ‘Cake Wonderland’ as world’s biggest cake show opens at Palace Grounds