Karnataka HC Temporarily Halts Tree Felling at Jnana Bharathi Campus
The Karnataka High Court has temporarily stayed the proposed felling of additional trees on lands allotted to various institutions within the Jnana Bharathi campus of Bangalore University (BU). The interim order, issued on November 28, 2025, comes in response to petitions highlighting environmental concerns and the potential ecological impact of further tree-cutting.
Petitioners argued that the campus, which is home to a large number of mature trees, serves as a green lung for Bengaluru and any large-scale deforestation could disrupt local biodiversity and affect air quality. The court has asked the university and other stakeholders to refrain from undertaking any tree-felling activities until further notice.
Bangalore University had planned the removal of trees to make way for expansion of institutional infrastructure. The matter is now scheduled for detailed hearing, during which the court will examine environmental implications, statutory clearances, and alternative measures to balance developmental needs with ecological preservation.
