Jnanabharathi Layout residents allege fraud in GBA tree enumeration projects
Residents and environmentalists in Jnanabharathi Layout near Puneeth Rajkumar Park in Bengaluru have accused Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Forest Department officials of fraudulent practices, record manipulation, and generating fake bills during tree enumeration and sapling planting projects.
Citizens alleged that attempts to meet senior GBA forest officials to highlight these practices were repeatedly ignored, characterising the project actions as a misappropriation of public funds. They pointed out that tree enumeration in a nearby Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) layout was conducted strictly according to prescribed norms, in contrast to the exercise in Jnanabharathi Layout.
Environmentalist Gowdaiah stated that developmental works at Puneeth Rajkumar Park resumed only after he questioned authorities regarding attempts to release funds without carrying out the actual work. He also raised concerns over the integrity of the Assistant Conservator of Forest for failing to address indiscriminate concretisation around trees.
Gowdaiah noted that well-grown trees in front of KV Orchids, a residential apartment complex in 2nd Block of Jnanabharathi Layout, have been encased in concrete and marble stones. He warned that the restricted rainwater percolation could cause trees to die or fall onto vehicles parked along the road during heavy rains.
Mahesh TR, President of the Jnanabharathi 2nd Block Residents’ Welfare Association, echoed concerns regarding the concretisation near KV Orchids. He added that residents had to care for saplings planted last year in association with the Forest Department because officials never checked whether the plants survived.
In response, the GBA Deputy Conservator of Forests and Tree Officer stated that staff must follow Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) norms during enumeration. He committed to sending subordinates to inspect the spot near KV Orchids and ensure proper space is cleared around trees for rainwater percolation.
