Environment – Hyderabad Residents Renew Opposition to KBR Park Road Expansion Plan
Environment – A symbolic protest marking World Environment Day took place outside Hyderabad’s Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (KBR) National Park, where concerned residents gathered to voice opposition to the Telangana government’s proposed road expansion project around the protected green space. Demonstrators staged a funeral-themed protest, arguing that the planned development could threaten the ecological balance of one of the city’s most important natural areas.
Citizens Raise Concerns Over Environmental Impact
Participants in the protest urged authorities to reconsider the road-widening proposal, claiming that any reduction in green cover around the park could have long-term consequences for Hyderabad’s environment. Activists described KBR National Park as a crucial urban forest that contributes significantly to air quality and biodiversity within the city.
The demonstration comes amid an ongoing legal dispute concerning development activities in the park’s surrounding eco-sensitive zone. Environmental groups have maintained that preserving the area is essential to protecting wildlife habitats and maintaining ecological stability in a rapidly expanding urban landscape.
Supreme Court Orders Temporary Protection
In a significant development earlier this year, the Supreme Court intervened in the matter by temporarily halting tree-cutting activities within the eco-sensitive zone surrounding KBR National Park. A bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan directed that no trees should be felled within a buffer area ranging from 25 to 35 metres around the park until further orders.
The apex court also issued notices while examining a petition challenging the proposed tree removal linked to road infrastructure work. The interim protection was granted during hearings related to concerns about environmental damage and the future of the designated buffer zone.
Challenge to Reduced Eco-Sensitive Zone
The legal challenge was filed by petitioner Kaajal Maheshwari, who questioned an earlier decision that declined to provide immediate relief against the project. The petition argues that the eco-sensitive zone surrounding the park was significantly reduced, with certain stretches reportedly narrowed to widths ranging between 3 metres and 29.8 metres.
According to the plea, such a reduction weakens the purpose of an eco-sensitive zone, which is intended to serve as a protective buffer between environmentally fragile areas and urban development activities. The petitioner contends that shrinking the buffer could expose the park to increased environmental pressures.
Importance of KBR National Park Highlighted
Court documents submitted in the case describe KBR National Park as a vital ecological asset and one of Hyderabad’s most valuable green spaces. Established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the park supports diverse plant and animal life while providing environmental benefits to millions of residents.
The petition further claims that the originally proposed eco-sensitive zone of 25 to 35 metres was later reduced, allegedly to accommodate infrastructure initiatives, including projects under the Strategic Road Development Plan. Environmental advocates argue that preserving the originally proposed buffer is necessary to safeguard the park from future encroachment and ecological degradation.
High Court Proceedings Continue
The matter had previously been placed before the Telangana High Court, where concerns were raised regarding ongoing construction and development activities in and around the protected area. Petitioners sought urgent intervention, warning that continued activity could result in irreversible environmental consequences.
However, the High Court did not grant immediate interim relief. Instead, it adjourned the proceedings and directed the parties involved to conduct further research regarding activities that may be permitted, regulated, or restricted within the eco-sensitive zone. The case remains under judicial consideration as environmental groups and government authorities await further legal developments.