Installation of open gyms and other structures in the KBR National Park is opposed by a group of environmental activists who are all set to drag the Forest Department to court over this “violation”.
Treating the KBR Park on par with the urban parks developed in the reserve forest blocks on the city peripheries, the authorities have permitted setting up of gym equipment and other structures including photography points, at three locations inside the park.
Contesting this act as violation of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, three individual activists, J. Rama Rao, Omim Maneckshaw Debara and Kaajal Maheshwari have recently issued legal notices to the Inspector General of Forests (Wildlife) under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.
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If no action is taken within 60 days, “appropriate forum” would be approached to seek justice, they warned.
Furnishing photographic evidence and the notification declaring the national park and list of flora and fauna, the complainants said unauthorised structures including three open gyms, sheds, sitting areas, footpaths, and photography points had been constructed there.
Freshly painted metal posts and paving stones indicated future construction plans, and toxic paint boxes, plastic trash, nails, and tools lay strewn around, they said, citing their visit on March 12. Also mentioning destruction of natural rocks, they alleged lack of basic care led to dried and fallen trees.
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The activists charged that visitors have been using the gyms launched in February, while yoga classes, laughing club sessions and photography were being organised, resembling a scene from any regular municipal parks. The eco-sensitive zone too is well-paved with a newly constructed gymnasium, it was pointed out.
Section 35(6) of the Wild Life Act, prohibits destruction/damage/diversion the habitat of any wild animal by any act by any person. KBR Park is home to 63 bird species, 18 mammals, 11 lizard, 24 snake, five amphibian and three turtle species and such rampant human activity could disturb the wildlife there.
Citing a High Court judgment which permitted walkers’ entry into the park, subject to guidelines by the State government before March 31, 1999, the complaint questioned why no such guidelines have been issued till now. The activists expressed concern that the park, which is an important urban lung space, could be destroyed eventually for the “vested interests of realtors and land grabbers”. Apart from removal of all gyms and structures, the letter demanded planting of barren patches, guidelines to regulate the activities inside the park, and third-party supervision on the park management.
Hyderabad DFO Shivaiah, said the gyms did not encroach the park, while top forest officials denied knowledge of violations.