Hyderabad sees fresh protest against tree felling near KBR park

Citizens in Hyderabad staged their second protest in four days against tree felling for flyover and underpass construction near KBR Park, demanding suspension of works under the H-CITI project until legal clarity is achieved.

Hyderabad: A protest was held against the felling of trees for flyovers and underpasses between Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Maharaja Agrasen Island, here on Thursday.

This happens to be the second protest after the Save KBR Park campaign in the span of four days against massive tree felling for flyovers and underpasses around KBR park.

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A press release on Thursday stated that even as concerns mounted over the ongoing works under the H-CITI project, tree felling and on-ground activity continued unabated around the park.

“Despite the public outcry, and legal ambiguity, it is observed that tree felling at the Cancer Hospital Junction continued on the ground. As a result, we have decided to escalate our protest,” it said.

Expressing anguish, Aditya, a protestor said, “Trees, once lost, are gone forever. If the court later rules in our favour, who will undo this irreversible damage?”

Another protestor, Dr.Srinivas Reddy said, “It is deeply painful to watch this happening before our eyes. In this scorching heat, shouldn’t sustainability take precedence over unchecked, concrete-heavy development?”

Vijay Mallangi, representative of the “Save KBR” campaign said, “It is ironic that while the leadership speaks strongly about preserving biodiversity in places like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, similar values are not being upheld here. It raises uncomfortable questions.”

The citizens reiterated their demand for immediate suspension of all tree felling and construction activities until legal clarity is established.