BEML’s Mysuru Campus to Trim 137 Trees for Better Occupational Health Facilities

In a move that’s drawing both applause and eyebrows, Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) has announced plans to fell 137 trees on its sprawling Mysuru campus. The decision comes as part of a broader effort to overhaul the institute’s occupational health services, a sector that the company says has been long‑overdue for an upgrade.

According to officials, the cleared land will host a state‑of‑the‑art health centre, complete with diagnostic labs, physiotherapy suites and a dedicated sick‑bay for workers. "Our workforce is the backbone of BEML’s operations," a senior manager explained, "and ensuring they have access to top‑notch medical care is non‑negotiable."

That said, the plan has stirred a quiet ripple among local environmental groups. While BEML assures that the trees earmarked for removal are non‑heritage and that a compensatory plantation drive is in the works, activists argue that every mature tree lost is a blow to Mysuru’s green cover. "We’re not against progress, but we need a balanced approach," one activist remarked, hinting at the need for a thorough ecological impact assessment.

The company, for its part, says it has secured all requisite clearances from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and the Forest Department. It also promises to plant double the number of saplings in nearby zones, aiming to offset the carbon loss over the next five years.

Beyond the immediate health‑care upgrade, BEML sees the project as a stepping stone toward a safer, more resilient workplace. The revamped facility will feature advanced ventilation, ergonomic workstations and emergency response units – all intended to curb occupational hazards that have historically plagued heavy‑equipment manufacturers.

Local residents, meanwhile, are watching closely. Mysuru, known for its leafy avenues and historic gardens, has seen rapid industrial growth in recent years. Balancing that growth with environmental stewardship remains a delicate dance, and the BEML tree‑clearing episode could become a reference point for future development debates.

In short, while the 137 trees may disappear from the campus map, the hope is that a healthier, safer environment will emerge for the people who rely on BEML’s facilities every day.