Park Protection vs. Progress: KBR Flyover Debate

Environmental experts and concerned citizens have formally requested the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to pause its plans for new flyovers and underpasses near KBR National Park. In an open letter, 33 signatories, including public policy expert Narasimha Reddy Donthi, called for a comprehensive, independent study of the area before project continuation.

The letter challenges the justification that emission reduction from reduced engine idling outweighs the loss of mature trees. Experts emphasize that these trees provide critical functions such as urban temperature regulation, stormwater management, biodiversity support, and public well-being benefits. They noted that these multifaceted services are not replicated by infrastructure like flyovers.

Furthermore, the signatories pointed to the well-documented phenomenon of induced demand in urban transport. This principle suggests that new road capacity, such as flyovers, often leads to an increase in vehicle trips, potentially negating the initial emission savings within a few years as more people opt for private vehicle travel.