Marked for axing for a government project, these trees outside KBR National Park received much love and support in the form of hugs by the concerned citizens.
Hundreds of walkers, activists, students and locals assembled on Sunday morning at KBR Park main gate in Banjara Hills to raise their voice against clearing any trees for road projects and vowed to protect them. Not stopping at hugs, some took selfies while a few others tied a special thread and watered the trees.
The event kicked off with a song titled ‘Hyderabad ko Greenabad Banayenge’ by environmentalist Sanghamitra Malik. This was followed by a talk by Hyderabad Rising Volunteers about the importance of KBR Park in water table replenishment and in the reduction of the carbon footprint in the city. The volunteers also explained to people regarding the importance of the walkway or eco-sensitive zone around the KBR National Park and informed that any damage to this walkway will have a direct detrimental effect on the national park.
Well known environmentalist Prof. Purushottam Reddy spoke about the direct relation of greenery to the quality of air and water. He said that the “right to live” under the Indian constitution includes “right to clean air”, “right to good water” and “right to environment” and felt that the government has no right to meddle with these rights of the citizens. Architect and urban planner Uday Shankar questioned the traffic studies around the KBR Park. He said that a good public transport system is the solution that the government should consider.
Some of the participants who had lived in other countries spoke about the measures adopted by the global cities to address traffic issues. The members of Hyderabad Rising are planning to submit a representation to the State government with an appeal to refrain from felling trees for the Strategic Road Development Project (SRDP).
