f one were to go by the unusual activity taking place around the KBR National Park, the process of clearing green cover for the first phase of the Strategic Road Development project (SRDP) seems to have already begun.
On Sunday morning when more than 500 citizens from various walks of life descended near the park to express their opposition to the government’s move, they learnt that watering to plants and trees in the designated project area had already stopped since the past few days.
“I have spoken to the gardening workers as well as a few government officials. I was told that the water is not being supplied to water the plants and trees since the past three months. These are the ones that are marked for chopping. Some workers have been removed, and salaries have not been paid since two months for a few other workers,” said Shilpa Sivakumaran, a corporate employee, and a member of Hyderabad Rising, a banner under which individuals, activists and NGO’s are fighting with a demand to scrap SRDP project.
She added that 4 km of the walkway, which will be acquired for the SRDP, was very much part of the eco-sensitive zone of the KBR National park, without which the ecology of the park will collapse soon. She also felt that the noise pollution levels will rise as a result of the project, which will adversely affect the park.
The protestors, armed with banners, participated in a walk and spoke to the park visitors to create awareness regarding the issue.
“Awareness is lacking among public who think only a few trees will be chopped,” felt Gopala Krishna, Member of Hyderabad Trails, who has been actively campaigning on the issue.
“The green cover of the city is abysmally low at 2.6 per cent whereas the national average of green cover for cities is around 10 per cent. There should be every attempt to save trees around the park and a question needs to be asked if we need this project. The project will affect the temperature and water table and also take away the beauty of the roads around the park.” Frauke Quader, Founder of Society to Save Rocks, said that citizens should come forward to save the rocks too.
These rock formations in the city are one of the oldest in the Deccan Plateau which also prevent earthquakes, she said. She also pointed out a few metro cities tried to emulate Hyderabad in building a park similar to that of KBR Park but failed.
The members are also gearing up to file public interest litigation in courts in case the State Government goes ahead with clearing the green cover.
