The proposed flyover under the Strategic Road Development Plan (SRDP) here has taken a toll of 15 trees so far - but a 100 others can escape the same fate. These trees are being saved on the Kukatpally Housing Board road, as citizens put their money into their activism.
The onset of monsoon has given citizens and voluntary agencies the cue to prepare for the ambitious translocation of the remaining trees onto a water body. The activity is privately funded, with no governmental commitment on funds.
GHMC says ‘no’
It started with plans to shift about 15-20 smaller trees to a water body inside the Hyderabad Central University or onto a water body near Kukatpally MMTS station or Gopi lake in Lingampally, on Saturday. But, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) refused permission.
“We had everything in place and were about to begin our operations after friends and well-wishers agreed to chip in with funds, men and machinery. The Municipal Corporation refused permission, asking us to say how we would take care of the trimmed branches, when they could have just done the job,” says P. Udaykrishna of Vata Foundation, who is leading the cause.
When he sought time till the monsoon for translocation, he was rebuffed by the civic body on the ground that it would delay the flyover project. But he got a second chance thanks to a tussle between two housing groups.
The proposed flyover’s ramp is supposed to land at the Malaysian Township but the residents objected, and it was decided to shift it farther on the road.
But then, a builder pursuing an adjacent project objected. Municipal officials and public representatives are trying to resolve the tussle, giving the green activists a breather.
The campaigners made an online appeal and shared messages, prompting voluntary organisations to offer to raise about ₹5 lakh for the shift.
Help in cash, kind
“Friends have offered help in cash and kind for the translocation of the Peltophorum trees to Nekrampur Lake. We want to shift them near a water body as the trees are 8-10 years old and will adapt faster near a wetland. We are talking to HCU and local communities as well. We want GHMC on our side and will talk to them about the trimming disposal,” says Kalpana Ramesh of ‘Live The Lakes.’
The issue is being taken up with the GHMC Commissioner B. Janardhan Reddy for relocating the trees at the earliest and during weekends when the traffic is less.
“We need two sets of earth movers and cranes to complete the entire lot in two days” says Mr. Udaykrishna.
