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Hyderabad Trees Axed for Sunlight: Activists Outraged
3 Jan
Summary
- HMDA pruned 30-year-old rain trees near Prasad's IMAX Square.
- Forest department approval was conditional on planting native species.
- Environmentalists decry pruning as unscientific and potentially damaging.
In Hyderabad, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) recently pruned three fully grown rain trees, estimated to be between 25 and 30 years old. This action near Prasad's IMAX Square has drawn sharp criticism from environmentalists and citizen activists. The justification provided by HMDA officials is that the trees' extensive canopies were obstructing sunlight essential for the growth of seasonal flowering plants.
While the forest department granted permission, it was with the understanding that native flowering species would replace the pruned trees. However, concerns have been raised about the lack of specific details regarding the replanting plan. Environmentalists argue that such drastic pruning can cause irreversible harm and potentially endanger the trees, especially during adverse weather conditions.
Activists emphasize the scarcity of mature trees in the city and express deep concern over their ongoing damage. They contend that the HMDA's reasoning for the pruning is vague and the method employed is unscientific, potentially leading to the premature demise of these valuable urban assets.
