Petition against Bengaluru's Hebbal tunnel project crosses 20,000 signatures

A petition opposing the proposed Hebbal Short Tunnel project in Bengaluru has gathered over 20,000 signatures, with citizens urging the state government to pause construction and conduct independent environmental and safety assessments. The petition, launched on Change.org on August 3, specifically calls for evaluation of the project's impact on North Bengaluru's green and water landscapes.

The 2.2-kilometre tunnel is planned between Hebbal Junction and the University of Agricultural Sciences staff quarters, running through the Veterinary College campus. The project involves felling 1,128 trees and has raised concerns about its effects on Hebbal Lake's drainage, groundwater levels, and stormwater flows in an area prone to waterlogging.

Petitioners have demanded publication of detailed project reports, traffic models, tree surveys, groundwater studies, and independent technical reviews before construction proceeds. Puneet Sachdev, who initiated the petition, expressed concern over losing green space and questioned whether the tunnel would effectively address Bengaluru's traffic issues, suggesting a focus on public transport alternatives like the Metro instead.