Hyderabad: As the city administration prepares the track for the Formula E race in February, the magnificent yellow tabebuias (trees of gold) with yellow trumpet-shaped flowers at the NTR Marg will soon become a thing of the past. The HMDA which is widening and black-topping NTR Marg has also removed the trees, transforming the Hussainsagar's landscape.
Some trees could be seen standing precariously at the median, which according to the HMDA would be relocated soon, even though the majority of the trees at the median and the lakefront were uprooted.
When asked about the removal of the trees, Arvind Kumar, special chief secretary of MA&UD, stated, "Utmost care has been taken, including the diversion of the track to prevent damaging the bigger trees. The smaller trees are being translocated to create the space needed for the track.”
The city's most popular public space has undergone a shift in scenery, and this has prompted complaints from locals, environmentalists, and conservationists who were unprepared for such an abrupt transformation.
“When I visited the NTR Road this morning, one fourth of the trees were gone and more trees were going to be uprooted. By the time the renovation work is complete, I wonder if any trees will be around. Most of the trees are ‘Trees of Gold’ that blossomed exquisitely in March and April. It's terrible and unfortunate that we won't get to see that vista any more,” said Sadhana Ramchandran, a member ‘Save Banyans of Chevella.
City conservationist Uday Krishna raised his concerns, saying, "Removing trees for an occasion is not new for Hyderabad. Around 200 trees were cut down to make an exit route for the CoP delegates about 10 years ago. The event could have been conducted at ORR instead of in the centre of the city, where such a lovely stretch existed. We cannot follow the Singapore model here in India”.
H. Sarvotham, a city environmentalist and visiting professor at the University of Hyderabad's earth science department, questioned the administration over cutting down trees. "Trees are translocated in many cases when roads are widened or other construction work is done. But because it demands ecological adaptation, the trees must be transplanted with the utmost care to ensure their survival. We are unsure if the government will guarantee the survival of the trees that are said to be transplanted.”
