Supreme Court Halts Tree Cutting in Eco-Sensitive Zone Near KBR National Park

The Supreme Court has issued a stay on tree felling in the eco-sensitive zone around Hyderabad's KBR National Park. The decision was prompted by a plea challenging road development plans that could damage the area's ecology. The petitioner argues this move undermines environmental protections meant to safeguard the park.

The Supreme Court has intervened to halt the felling of trees in the eco-sensitive zone surrounding the Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (KBR) National Park in Hyderabad. The bench, comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan, ordered an interim stay on cutting trees within the 25 to 35-metre radius around the park, a move viewed as crucial in preserving the ecological balance.

This directive comes in response to a petition filed by Kaajal Maheshwari, challenging the Telangana High Court's previous decision not to grant interim relief regarding tree felling linked to road development projects. The Supreme Court also issued a notice concerning the plea against the reduction of the eco-sensitive zone meant to protect KBR National Park.

The petitioner argues that the originally planned eco-sensitive zone, which varied from 3 to 29.8 metres, threatens the park's ecological integrity. KBR National Park, recognized under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, is a vital green space for Hyderabad. The plea emphasizes the urgent need to prevent unregulated construction to avoid irrevocable ecological harm.