Permission to axe trees now in public domain Permission to axe trees now in public domain ByNaveen MenezesNaveen Menezes / Updated: Apr 6, 2021, 06:00 IST For the first time, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has started uploading permission letters issued for axing trees or removing branches to private individuals and organisations on its website. This level of transparency has come after a recent High Court order, which has been hearing a petition on illegality by the BBMP in granting permissions for axing trees. The documents show that the civic body has issued permission for pruning branches of at least 350 trees in the last three months. Permissions were issued to completely axe 22 trees since November this year. The figures show the volume of applications BBMP gets each year from individuals and organisations, in addition to the applications from government agencies for undertaking infrastructure works.