TS govt clarifies trees near Hussain Sagar translocated to make way for Formula-E track

Hyderabad: On Sunday, authorities were spotted cutting down trees near Hussain Sagar, NTR Marg, and other areas ahead of the Formula-E World Championship race that is to be held in the city on 11 February. Several nature lovers and activists took to Twitter to protest the cutting down of the trees.

Following this, the Telangana Digital Media Wing took to Twitter to clarify that "certain trees are being translocated on Necklace Road."

The officials said translocation of a certain number of trees became inevitable to ensure the required width of the track. About 2/3rd of the trees affected are small-sized and another 30% are medium-sized and only about 10% (including Royal Palm trees) are large trees.

Accordingly, the trees which are falling in the proposed alignment has been identified & marked and the HMDA submitted its application to the Tree Protection Committee headed by the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, CF/CCF-Ranga Reddy-Convener, DFO-Hyderabad, Director-Urban Forestry, HMDA & NGO's (three members) for inspection and according necessary approval.

The Tree Protection Committee members have inspected on 19.07.2022 and after detailed inspection has, while according approval has recommended for translocation of affected trees. Accordingly, permission was accorded vide on 12 August 2022 by the District Forest Officer, Hyderabad.

"Most of the trees have already been translocated in NTR Garden and Sanjeevaiah Park while the remaining ones will be translocated in the same manner. The survival rate after the translocation is 100%. The state government is committed to protect the green cover and minimise dislocation," they said.

Furthermore, it was also explained that the trees adjacent to the track are being pruned and they will be in full bloom in next four months by the time the race commences.

The Federation International Automobile (FIA) has finalised the 2.37 km track around Hussain Sagar to host the first-ever Formula-E World Championship race in Hyderabad.

"Ensuring a minimum track width of 12 meters required removal of 600 mts road median on the circle from PVNR Marg (from Indira Gandhi Statue) towards Telugu Talli Flyover. The route and curves have been modified thrice to minimise tree translocations, especially the large trees," Telangana Digital Media Wing tweeted.

The Formula-E race

Formula E is an electric-powered single-seater championship that started in 2014 and was granted World Championship status by the FIA during the seventh season in 2020-21. Unlike Formula One, which is hosted in purpose-built circuits, Formula E, also known as E-Prix, races are held on street circuits, promoting electric mobility and racing to the fans.

With this, Hyderabad will become the only city in India and one among the 13 cities across the globe to be hosting Formula E racing.

Unlike Formula 1 where cars are powered by fossil fuel, all racing cars will be electric-powered in Formula E.