Stop Malleswaram Underpass

Respected Sir,

The proposed underpass at Malleswaram 5th cross is an environmentally destructive project and is also an ill conceived one that will not ease the traffic congestion it is supposed to. In addition to destroying 77 fully grown healthy trees, it will also add to the traffic congestion by creating bottlenecks at the exit points towards Link Road due to the flawed alignment.

Due to the fact that the project will not only destroy greenery but will also eat into the pavement by 1.5 metres, thus halving it from its present 3 metres, it will cause immense trouble to the pedestrians, shop owners as well as pavement vendors. The fully grown trees being cut will also seriously affect the fauna dependent on the trees like birds, squirrels, insects etc, thus disturbing the bio diversity of the area. The cutting of the trees would also affect the micro climate and the air quality.

We would also like to bring to your attention that the National Urban Transport policy adopted this year allows for no more road widening projects. It also says that non motorised transport is to be promoted specially cyclists and pedestrian traffic by creating cycle paths and wide footpaths. This project is in contradiction to the above mentioned policy as the road will be widened and the pavement eaten into.

Alternate traffic plans can very easily be arrived at as has been shown by the residents and shop owners of Malleswaram, who have got one such plan designed by a Traffic Expert. The plans include diverting long distance buses as well as creating a bus bay which will ease the traffic congestion immensely. This project has been highly controversial due to it being ill conceived and unnecessary, which has resulted in protests by varied groups, including residents and shop owners from Malleswaram as well as environmantalists. Due to a sustained campaign earlier it was halted.

We request you to look into this matter and immediately put a stop to this wasteful project, which will benefit no one and will severely affect the greenery, micro climate, air quality, pedestrians, road traffic, residents,
pavement vendors, the birds and other creatures dependent on life sustaining
greenery.