‘Tree-for-all’, not ‘tree-fall’, announces Minister, as 65-acre ‘green ecosystem’ under way in East Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Of the 105 acres of land that earlier belonged to the State-owned NGEF factory at Baiyappanahalli, a 65-acre Tree Park will be developed, Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil recently said.

He announced that the first phase of the project would be opened to the public in March.

The Minister visited the NGEF premises and inspected ongoing works related to the Tree Park. Senior officials from various departments accompanied him during the inspection.

Patil said the Tree Park was being developed in four phases — Phase 1, 1A, 1B, and Phase 2 — at an estimated cost of ₹37.75 crore. He stated that the works under Phase 1A were expected to be completed within the next six months.

The site currently has around 8,500 trees of various species, and their scientific names have been displayed. Emphasising that not a single tree would be felled, he said a scientific assessment would be carried out to decide on the future course of action regarding the eucalyptus trees on the premises.

He added that ₹11.50 crore required for Phase 1 works had already been released.

Patil said the administrative office buildings and industrial sheds within the NGEF premises were structurally sound, citing an assessment by scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).

As the structures were robust, they would be refurbished and repurposed to meet current requirements, said, adding that a multi-level parking facility capable of accommodating 5,000 to 7,000 vehicles would be constructed on an additional 4.5 acres of factory-owned land located outside the compound.

Two separate convention centres, each with a seating capacity of at least 15,000, would be developed in the existing electric motor sheds. These facilities can host meetings, ceremonies, anniversaries, conferences, seminars, and other events, the Minister said.

In addition, an incubation centre for startups, named ‘Innoverse’, will be established by the government-run KITS, providing a dedicated workspace for entrepreneurs. The IT-BT Department will also develop a ‘Technology Innovation Museum’ at the site at a cost of ₹100 crore, he said.

The Tree Park will also house a world-class sculpture park and an NGEF museum. Clarifying that no shopping mall would be constructed within the premises, Patil said a well-equipped amphitheatre would be built to host a variety of activities.

He noted that the project would greatly benefit residents of east Bengaluru and added that it would emerge as a green space superior to Cubbon Park and Lalbagh.

“Only a small portion of land required for the entrance gate falls under Namma Metro’s jurisdiction, and discussions will be held to secure it,” he said.

“I have initiated a Vrikshathon in my hometown of Vijayapura with the aim of planting 10 crore saplings. I understand the value of green wealth. Not a single tree at the NGEF site will be cut; instead, they will be carefully preserved. My goal is to develop this into an international destination,” Patil noted.

Key attractions

Patil said Phase 1 of the NGEF Tree Park will include an entrance plaza, elevated walkways, cycling tracks, water cascades, springs and fountains, a food court, children’s play area, pet-friendly zones, toilets, and other essential infrastructure.

An amount of ₹26.23 crore is being spent under Phase 1B, which will include additional elevated walkways, an observation tower, renovation of the existing administrative block, and an open amphitheatre.

Under Phase 2, the sheds constructed during the factory’s operational period will be redeveloped into a sports hub, an arts and culture centre, a community hall, and a food court through a public–private partnership.