A huge tree was found uprooted at VUDA’s YSR Park coming up on the old central jail site in the heart of the city on Sunday. The tree was uprooted somewhere behind the Mahatma Gandhi statue near the GVMC.
The park, coming up on nearly 20 acres of land, is supposed to be developed without felling age-old trees.
Prominent members of citizen action groups launched a sustained campaign for shaping up the park by retaining the trees. The park’s designs had several innovative features.
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VUDA DFO B.V.A. Krishna Murthy, when contacted, was categorical that trees should not be felled while executing work on the park. “Even if a tree comes in the way of a track being developed, it should not be felled,” he said.
However, he was not sure if it was removed for any construction or engineering work. “Also, the tree could have fallen with the roots losing strength due to digging of soil.”
Mr. Krishna Murthy, who accompanied Vice-Chairman N. Yuvaraj for a visit to the park on February 27, said it had not come to their notice at that time. Otherwise, action would have been taken.
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The external jogging track is being readied for throwing opening to public this month.
The exact reason on how the tree got uprooted could be ascertained only after field inspection on Monday, he said.
The then Chief Minister K. Rosaiah laid the foundation for the park in April 2010. The park would be developed at a cost of Rs. 5 crore and it was stated at that time that the work would be completed in nine months.