Hyderabad Metro Rail project eats into city’s lungs; greenery depleted

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Metro Rail project has taken a heavy toll on the city’s greenery.

More than 4,000 trees have been uprooted to make way for the three metro corridors on the main roads of Nagole, Mettuguda, Ameerpet and Madhapur among others.

While, 1,531 trees were uprooted in 2011, it was 329 in 2012. Another 700 trees have been felled since then.

“The number of trees uprooted is not clear as the HMR has not been transparent. The population density in the metro corridor area is dense and felling of trees will only cause harm,” said Ramachandraiah Chirugupati, Social Scientist, Centre For Economic and Social Studies.

He said that not all trees survive when they are translocated. “None of the Gulmohar trees that are chopped are relocated, whereas the rest may not survive when they are shifted,” he added.

HMR took up a tree plantation drive but about 30 per cent of the target was achieved. In 2013, HMR planted about 60,000 saplings and 700 trees were translocated with 100 per cent survival rate.

“More than 290 trees in Punjagutta and Errum Manzil Colony, 50 trees around Balanagar and Madhapur area, will come under the axe for the corridor through Punjagutta. The Tree Protection Committee objected, because the quarters host rich varieties of trees. We filed a case in court, but the decision did not go in our favour. However, we insisted that the trees be relocated in the locality and they have agreed,” said O. M. Debara  member of the Tree Protection Committee.

Meanwhile, more than 200, seven- to eight- decade-old trees from the Errum Manzil colony were removed for the Metro station that will come up. Eight acres of land from the colony was granted for the setting up of a station and also the parking space.

Environment experts claim that though the consequence of chopping these trees is known, the damage that will be caused to the area is out of bound. With Punja-gutta being the second most polluted area in the city, the pollution levels are only going to rise further.

“Along with the relocation, there is also a mass transportation system of the trees.  We are not against the project, but what we are against is the sudden plans that disrupt the nature.” said O. M. Debara, member of the Tree Protection Committee

 They wanted to chop all the trees from Ravindra Bharati to Mozamjahi market, but we objected and filed a law suite and the court gave a decision in our favou” she added.