Stop tree felling near KBR Park: High Court

A two-judge Panel of the Telangana High Court comprising Chief Justice Hima Kohli and Justice B Vijaysen Reddy on Wednesday stopped the State government and Forest department from felling 1,398 trees in the middle of Hyderabad within the Eco-Sensitive Zone near KBR Park.

Rithwick Dutta, counsel appearing for the petitioners contended that no plan has been filed by the Forest Department stating their plan of action for the trees that are going to be cut. Chief Justice Hima Kohli asked the State government to point out on what basis the



areas under protection was reduced drastically. The Government was directed to file a detailed list of trees that are going to be cut along with the age and variety.

L Ravichander, Amicus Curiae in the connected matter taken up suo moto by the court matter, sought an injunction on felling of the trees. The Panel refused to make any order of “status quo” as sought by the government pleader and affirmed that the Government shall be restrained from the felling of trees around KBR National Park.