Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Oct 15: In a significant development, the Karnataka high court has issued a stay on the proposed demolition of the Miyawaki forest at Padua junction in Mangaluru. This forest, home to around 2,000 trees, was developed and nurtured by Vana Charitable Trust as part of a corporate social responsibility initiative by Syngene International Ltd and Biocon Foundation.

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) had earlier ordered the removal of the forest to facilitate a highway expansion project, sparking widespread concern among environmentalists and local residents. Created using the Miyawaki method, which promotes dense and diverse growth in a small area, the forest has become a crucial green lung for the region, contributing to the ecological balance.

Vana Charitable Trust, along with local activists, challenged the demolition order in the Karnataka high court, arguing that the forest was not only vital for the environment but also served as a symbol of corporate responsibility and public-private cooperation in preserving nature.

The Trust further contended that the removal of the forest would result in significant biodiversity loss and irreparable ecological damage.

During the hearing, the Karnataka high court issued an interim stay on the NHAI’s order, temporarily halting any operations related to the forest's demolition. The court emphasised the need to balance infrastructure development with environmental preservation and directed NHAI to maintain the status quo until further hearings.

This order comes as a relief to environmental activists and residents of Mangaluru, who have been campaigning to protect the forest. Many have lauded the efforts of Vana Charitable Trust and the contributions of Syngene International Ltd and Biocon Foundation, which made the creation of this green space possible.