Almost 24 trees were axed by the Greater Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad (GHMC) around the helipad near the State Secretariat on Wednesday. The trees were cleared to ensure a smooth ride for the CM's flight in his chopper, though he has taken none till now. The trees had been translocated to the spot a few years ago to add aesthetic value to the drive.
The GHMC did not have the permission of the Forest Department, as per the Water, Land & Trees Act (WALTA), before initiating the operation. A case has been booked by the forest conservation department against the GHMC. Social groups that include For A Better Hyderabad (FBH), Cova and Puccar are demanding stringent action against the officials responsible for the brutal cut-down.
Activists are arguing that these could have again been easily translocated to another location, considering that
Lumbini Park and
NTR Gardens are close by. The trees were identified as gulmohar, neem and peltophorans, and are said to be worth almost Rs. 37 lakhs.