Hyderabad: Century-old garden in SCB CEO’s residence faces imminent clearance

A historic garden at the 1889 SCB CEO residence in Secunderabad will be acquired for the NH-44 elevated corridor. Demarcation is complete, and work will begin soon. Officials plan to transplant some trees, while nearby structures will also be removed for excavation

Hyderabad: A lung space that has served as a garden since 1889 on the premises of the SCB Chief Executive Officer’s official residence on Brigadier Sayeed Road, near Balamrai, in Secunderabad Cantonment, will soon vanish to facilitate the construction of the proposed SCB elevated corridor on NH-44, stretching from Paradise Circle to Dairy Farm (Suchitra).

As per the HMDA blueprint, the demarcation process for the affected portion has already been completed. According to officials, the garden will be acquired within the next one or two months. The land acquisition process is expected to proceed swiftly, following the completion of the demarcation exercise.

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The British-era CEO residence, built in 1889 garden is known for its trees and well-maintained lawns, offering a rare green respite in the heart of the city. The residence is built on sprawling three acres, including an existing garden, just 300 to 500 metres away from National Highway 44, where deep excavation works are progressing briskly for the elevated corridor.

A senior official of the SCB who is handling Cantonment parks and greenery, told ‘Telangana Today’ that they acknowledge the necessity of the elevated corridor to ease traffic congestion along the busy NH-44 stretch. “We are planning to transplant a few trees that have stood for decades in the affected portion of the garden as per the guidelines.

According to HMDA sources, some more properties (structures) will be affected adjacent to the CEO’s residence and earth excavation works will be taken up after demolishing them.