Protest held against flyover works near KBR Park in Hyderabad

Activists staged a protest in Hyderabad demanding public consultation before construction of flyovers near KBR Park. They raised concerns over tree felling, environmental impact and alleged violations of procedures, calling for a halt until proper studies and clearances are completed

Hyderabad: Demanding that public opinion be sought ahead of works for the construction of seven flyovers and underpasses around KBR Park, a protest led by the Save KBR Park Group was held here on Sunday.

Participants from different walks of life took part in the protest, holding placards at around 7 am and raising slogans on protecting KBR Park.

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Philip Joshua, a member of the Save KBR Park Group, said, “The felling of trees for the proposed flyover and underpass projects around KBR National Park has commenced despite years of persistent citizen opposition and ongoing Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to protect the park.” “As activists, we seek a stay on the construction, fearing that the ecosystem would suffer irreparable damage due to the construction of flyovers and underpasses,” he said.

A press release said that over the years, a series of road projects have steadily eaten into the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ), weakening the very protections meant to preserve it. The protesters said they want the civic body and other agencies concerned to stop all activity until a proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), traffic study, environmental clearances, zonal plans and detailed project report are completed.

Social activist Dr Lubna Sarwath alleged that the ongoing work, which involved 1,532 trees being chopped and the translocation of another 380, was executed without following the mandatory procedures outlined under the WALTA Act, 2002.

Sandeep Khurana pointed out that the cutting of trees goes directly against the High Court stay on tree-felling. Ananya Sangameshwar said Hyderabad has already lost much green cover and added, “We cannot afford to lose more.”