BDA floated tenders after trees were cut, say irate residents

The way in which the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has been carrying out the work on the signal-free corridor in Koramangala is raising eye brows.

Residents say they are shocked to find that the BDA not only did not issue work orders for the project, but it also allegedly manipulated the tenders to favour the contractor and floated tenders to move trees  some days after they were already moved. 
Between May 26 and 27, the BDA cut over 34 trees along Sarjapur Road for the signal-free corridor extending from Sirsi Circle to Agara Junction and passing through Koramangala. Residents of Koramangala held a big protest on May 27 against the BDA’s sustained efforts to start work on the project despite a stay from the high court. 

The residents had then wondered why the BDA was in such a hurry to carry on the project. There is still no answer as to why BDA was in such a hurry to carry out the works despite a stay and obvious opposition from residents.

According to residents, file noting with the conservator of forests, BBMP, shows that the BDA has not at all issued work orders for cutting trees. After the trees were cut, the BBMP suspended permission of violation of conditions of approval.

Two days after the trees were cut, the BDA floated tenders for moving the trees.

“But most of the trees were already moved and pictures with the media will show that there were hardly any trees left on the road,” said residents.

 The documents show that on June 8, the BDA even auctioned the disposal of trees and the winner L Ramesh would do it at `23,500.
“Till today, there is no work order for cutting trees. This is not just blatant violation of the rules by a government agency, it also shows the haste in which the work was done,” said a resident fighting a PIL against the BDA over the signal-free corridor.

“Considering that trees were removed long before the tenders were awarded, the tenders was presumably manipulated and awarded to the person who cut the trees,” residents allege.