Supreme Court Halts Tree Cutting Around Hyderabad KBR Park
The Supreme Court stopped tree felling near Hyderabad KBR National Park and paused flyover related works after environmental concerns were raised over the eco sensitive zone protection.
- Supreme Court stays KBR Park tree cutting
- Flyover construction faces temporary halt in Hyderabad
- Environmental groups welcome legal victory for KBR Park
The Supreme Court has issued an interim stay on tree cutting activities around Hyderabad’s KBR National Park, bringing temporary relief to environmental activists opposing large scale flyover construction in the eco sensitive zone surrounding the park. The order has effectively paused ongoing works linked to the major SRDP infrastructure project in the area.
A bench comprising Justice B V Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan directed that no trees should be cut within the eco sensitive zone surrounding the park until further hearings are completed. Notices were also issued to the Telangana government and concerned authorities after strong objections were raised regarding the environmental impact of the project.
The matter reached the Supreme Court after concerns were expressed over alleged large scale felling of trees around the KBR Park region during night hours. Senior advocate K Vivek Reddy, appearing for the petitioner, argued that authorities were continuing tree cutting activities despite earlier restrictions and environmental concerns already highlighted before the courts.
According to the petition, hundreds of trees have already been removed and more were planned to be cut for the construction of multiple flyovers and underpasses proposed under the Strategic Road Development Programme. Environmental activists claim nearly two thousand trees could eventually disappear if the entire project moves forward without safeguards.
The Supreme Court questioned whether the flyover construction could continue without destroying trees in the eco sensitive area. During arguments, the petitioner’s counsel informed the bench that tree cutting was continuing rapidly and alleged that dozens of trees were being removed every day.
Activists supporting the Save KBR movement welcomed the court order and described it as a major legal victory for environmental protection in Hyderabad. Many residents have been protesting against the project, arguing that KBR Park acts as one of the city’s most important green lungs and helps reduce pollution levels in densely populated urban areas.
Meanwhile, government officials defended the project and said the proposed flyovers are aimed at reducing heavy traffic congestion near Jubilee Hills Check Post, Film Nagar, and surrounding junctions. Authorities stated that modern steel flyovers and grade separators are being planned to improve traffic movement and reduce fuel consumption in the city.
Officials also maintained that the project would follow a zero park intrusion model and claimed that park land and major trees would remain untouched wherever possible. However, the Supreme Court has now directed a complete stop to tree felling within the protected zone until the next hearing scheduled for July 27.
