Hyderabad, August 28: More than 400 trees have been felled at Bollarum to make way for the SCB elevated corridor being constructed by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA).
The trees were removed as part of the 18-km elevated corridor planned from Gymkhana Grounds to the Outer Ring Road near Shamirpet through the Secunderabad Cantonment area.
Tree removal is continuing at several locations along the route as land acquisition progresses. Road widening works are also being taken up towards Shamirpet.
SCB Elevated Corridor Work Leads to Tree Felling
Before construction began, the Tree Protection Committee inspected and enumerated trees along the proposed corridor. The committee subsequently recommended certain trees for felling and translocation.
According to HMDA sources, more than 400 trees were recently felled at Bollarum. The trees were removed to clear the alignment for the proposed elevated stretch.
The felled trees were transported from the Bollarum premises using heavy trucks and lorries.
Officials have reportedly planned compensatory plantation and transplantation to address the loss of greenery. Sources said trees cut for the project would be compensated through transplantation and sapling plantation at a 1:4 ratio.
HMDA is expected to utilise vacant spaces on defence establishment premises for the plantation wherever possible. The move is aimed at maintaining greenery in and around the project area.
Residents Raise Concerns Over Green Cover
The tree removal has drawn concern from some Bollarum residents and commuters. They said the trees had provided shade and relief from the heat for several decades.
Residents also expressed concern that the area could lose much of its earlier greenery and character due to large infrastructure projects.
Environmentalists have also raised questions over the ecological impact of removing mature trees for road infrastructure. They stressed the importance of ensuring that compensatory plantation is carried out effectively and that transplanted trees survive.
The SCB elevated corridor is expected to improve connectivity between central Hyderabad, Secunderabad Cantonment and areas towards Shamirpet. However, the ongoing construction has also brought renewed attention to the need to balance infrastructure development with environmental protection.
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