‘Save KBR’ protests intensify over tree cutting near national park

Hundreds of citizens gathered on Sunday, May 10, in protest against the ongoing tree felling and pruning activities around the Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (KBR) National Park, marking the 10th consecutive day of demonstrations to protect the urban forest.

According to a press note issued by campaigners associated with the #SaveKBR movement, the protests intensified after large-scale cutting and removal of trees allegedly began around April 18 at locations including Agrasen Junction, the median stretch between the Cancer Hospital and the KBR boundary wall, and the area between Omega Hospital and the KBR Main Gate. 

Activists said that the issue was linked to ongoing construction activities and proposed infrastructure works under the H-CITI project around the park.

Vijay Mallangi, who along with advocate Dr Lubna Sarwath has been pursuing information related to permissions for tree felling, questioned the legality of the process. They alleged that permissions claimed to have been granted by the Tree Protection Committee under the WALTA Act lacked transparency and argued that written approval from a designated officer through the prescribed Form 14 was mandatory for legal tree cutting. 

Public policy expert and climate action campaigner Dr Donthi Narasimha Reddy alleged that the KBR National Park was facing death by a thousand cuts and expressed concern over the proposed flyovers and underpasses.

Kaajal Maheshwari, one of the core campaigners of the #SaveKBR movement and a petitioner in the matter, said the movement has been receiving support from Hyderabad residents as well as people from across the globe.