Hacking of trees shameful, senseless'

TNN | May 2, 2016, 06.33 AM IST

HYDERABAD: Staunchly opposing the state government's proposal to mercilessly axe over 3,000 trees at the KBR Park, scores of readers sent in letters to TOI, expressing their shock and anger over the "shameful" and "senseless" decision.

Calling KBR Park "one of the best green zones in the city", Sandeep Pragadaraju wrote, "I'm shocked by the government's insensitivity and utter disregard for citizens and the city's environmental health. All the talk of development in the name of cutting trees is pathetic. It is a shame that some of the localities in Hyderabad don't have any green cover and the authorities are not even bothered to plant new trees."

Lashing out at authorities for axing trees in the name of development, Sasi E urged fellow city dwellers to stand up and fight to protect the city's green cover. "People who are talking of development by cutting down trees obviously don't know what development means. It is unfortunate that concrete jungles seem to symbolise development while the real indicators are adequate and clean drinking water and pure air to breathe.The administration's hair-brained ideas are unbelievable," said Sasi.

Pointing out that the responsibility of expanding Hyderabad's green cover lies as much with its denizens as it does with the state government, Ajay Kumar said, "The state government should plant at least double the number of trees that they have axed until now and also develop mini parks. People also have to be aware of the importance of green cover and should be encouraged to plant more trees. This is when one can really see a difference."

Sunil Bhat, meanwhile, pointed out that it is trees and not a multi level network of roads that offer some form of respite in times of soaring temperatures and a severe water crisis. "I think commuters can bear a bit of pain and sacrifice for the greater good by not cutting trees. Hyderabad is facing the one of the worst water crises, which will only aggravate because we're clearing vegetation," cautioned Bhat, adding, "We should be planting more trees around the arid lands of the city. I hope we don't reach a point where we have wide roads and skyscrapers but not clean air and water."

Urging authorities to consult environmental and ecology protection experts before go ing off on a hasty hacking spree, Kasturi Rangan pointed out how the Telangana government, unlike administrations across the world, seemed quite oblivious to pressing issues such as global warming, cutting down emissions and improving the green cover. "The flyover can be made around the park without touching the trees even if it requires commuters to travel a few extra kilometres. If GHMC has the power and plan to create another green cover with 3000 trees of more than 50 years old within a month's time, let them do so and then go ahead with this project," said Rangan.