Citizens protest to protect KBR Park

metro india news  I hyderabad

Morning walkers and green activists gathered at the Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park here on Sunday after fresh concerns emerged as construction activity linked to the H-CITI project has resumed near the park. For over a decade, residents of Hyderabad have consistently raised their voices to protect the Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park, widely regarded as the city’s last major green lung.

Petitioners have approached the High Court seeking an urgent hearing, submitting photographic evidence of ongoing works along the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) and pointing to unresolved directions issued in 2021 regarding proof of a public hearing.

Over the years, multiple road projects have gradually eroded the ESZ surrounding the park. What was originally envisaged as a 10-km buffer was successively reduced to 1 km, then to 25–35 metres, and, in some stretches, to as little as 3 metres—far below the norms typically prescribed for a National Park.

The final ESZ notification in 2020, activists allege, was issued without a legally mandated public hearing.

On April 26, 2026, hundreds of citizens gathered at KBR Park to protest the ongoing works. Their demand was unequivocal: halt all activity until a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), traffic study, environmental clearances, zonal plans, and a detailed project report (DPR) are made public, followed by a lawful public consultation process.

The protest drew a cross-section of society—youth, families, and senior citizens—reflecting a sustained civic movement aimed at preserving Hyderabad’s ecological balance for future generations.

Activist Sandeep Khurana alleged that ongoing construction and reported tree felling violate High Court orders. He also flagged a lack of transparency, citing the absence of publicly available DPRs, design details, or approval documents.

Ananya Sangameshwar questioned the sharp increase in the number of trees proposed for felling—from around 1,300 in earlier plans to nearly 1,942—seeking clarity on revised surveys and compensatory afforestation plans.

Srilakshmi highlighted that air quality within KBR Park is significantly better than surrounding areas, warning against further ecological degradation.

Alka Pandey pointed to rising temperatures, noting that shrinking green cover could make Hyderabad increasingly unlivable.

Dr. Anand Reddy argued that flyovers are not a long-term solution to traffic congestion, advocating instead for robust public transport and last-mile connectivity.

Vijay Mallangi emphasized that the issue goes beyond environmental concerns, raising questions about governance, transparency, and adherence to due process.