Citizen Journalism: Construction of flyovers around KBR Park will take away even fig leaf of city’s protection

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Hyderabad: The recent proposals by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to develop six locations around KBR Park are disturbingly similar to previous initiatives that have been strongly opposed by the Citizens of Hyderabad as they present significant environmental and legal issues.

The Supreme Court has suggested the establishment of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) around all national parks. Specifically, a default 1 km perimeter around parks has been mandated as ESZ. The KBR Park, however, under the BRS government has been subjected to proposals that drastically reduce this perimeter to a mere 3 to 29.8 meters for the Strategic Road Development Plan (SRDP), undermining the very essence of its protection. The same was vehemently opposed by the citizens of Hyderabad. The current revival of this proposal, aiming to construct flyovers and widen roads around KBR Park, would severely threaten the park's existence Environmental Impact and Legal Violations The ESZ notification currently under contestation was issued in gross violation of the Ministry's Guidelines for the Declaration of Eco-sensitive Zones around National Parks and Sanctuaries (February 2011) and contradicts the spirit and directives of the Supreme Court.

Implementing this proposal under the ESZ notification that is being contested is unscientific and irrational. You are aware that because of KBR Park, surrounding areas have been protected from floods caused by once-in-a-century, unprecedented rains in Hyderabad in October 2020. Construction of flyovers and other constructions around it will take away even the fig leaf of this protection to Hyderabad. Knowing the fact that this is the only green patch that Hyderabad City has and destroying this will call for major climate issues for the citizens.

As it is, the groundwater in the surrounding areas is being sustained by this water sink of 350 plus hectares of greenery. Destruction of KBR Park, in the name of development and traffic flows, will lead to the depletion of groundwater and lung space. Comparative Analysis Elsewhere, every effort is being made to protect parks within the city. Open, green, and accessible public spaces are a necessity amidst concrete structures, for access to air and water. Other cities, like New York, prioritize the preservation of their parks. There are at least 4 parks within New York City. Central Park is one of the most iconic and popular parks in New York City, spanning 843 acres, and remains protected despite urban pressures. Similarly, KBR Park must be safeguarded to maintain Hyderabad’s environmental health, the Physical well-being of its citizens, and the National heritage of future generations. This park is not only a green space but also a critical component of the city's ecological balance. Citizens of Hyderabad with the support of the judiciary have been instrumental in protecting & maintaining their park from various projects, including flyovers, in the last 5 to 7 years.

Recommendations and Requests

1. Adopt a Scientific Approach: The traffic congestion around KBR Park requires a broader, more comprehensive study. Simply widening roads and constructing flyovers will likely increase traffic as this has been studied and documented by traffic experts worldwide. Traffic in Hyderabad, especially the congestion around KBR Park, needs to be studied and analyzed from a wider area perspective and not just its vicinity. In the recent past, several paid studies have been done to usurp the land, but no serious study has been done in this particular case to protect it. Alternative routes and traffic diversion strategies must be explored.

2. Restore the 35 m ESZ: Reinstate the eco-sensitive zone to its original 35 meters around KBR Park and declare the entire walkway as an eco-sensitive zone. Beyond 35 m, a regulation zone of at least 10 Km can be declared, as provided by the Central ESZ Notification. Based on consultations, this zone can have a guided regulated development such as restriction on high-rise buildings, road usage patterns, and vehicular movement, with a transparent approval process. Ultimately, we want a meaningful and effective conservation of KBR National Park and to be restored to its beauty again.

3. Enquiry into Past Violations: Conduct a thorough inquiry into the procedural violations and the irrational reduction of the ESZ, which threaten the park’s integrity. Such an inquiry will ensure that a justifiable and legal approach is being adhered to rather than encroaching on the dubious actions that could have been enforced in the past.

4. Revaluation of Development Proposals: Withdraw all proposals, tenders, and projects related to roads, flyovers, tunnels, multilevel parking, and bridges around KBR Park immediately. Renotify the eco-sensitive zone for KBR National Park. We request you to scrap this proposal. Your intervention is crucial to ensure the preservation of this park for future generations. In conclusion, KBR Park is an invaluable asset that requires our collective effort to protect.