Residents demand increased green cover in Hyderabad amidst environmental concerns
Hyderabad: Residents across Hyderabad are calling for expanded green cover in various parts of the city, including Nampally, Koti, and Jam Bagh, as part of the Vanamahotsavam program. Recently, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) planted new trees under the Khairatabad Metro Line and along the Panjagutta graveyard wall. However, many residents are urging the GHMC to enhance green cover by planting more trees along metro dividers and other necessary areas throughout the city.
While speaking with the Hyderabad Mail, MA Ahmed, a local resident, expressed his concerns, saying, “Not only should there be more pots, but there should also be an increase in the number of plants across the city. We want the air to be free from pollution this Independence Day. I have observed that hundreds of pots are placed overnight on the footpath at Begumpet, but metro dividers are neglected. The horizontal thorn plants on the dividers are not ideal and should be removed by GHMC officials.”
Ahmed also highlighted the benefits of green spaces, noting that they help mitigate pollution. He referenced Telangana’s Haritha Haram initiative and expressed concern over the recent clearing of trees across Hyderabad. Additionally, he expressed concerns about the proposed clearance of the Damagundam Forest in Telangana for an Indian Navy radar project.
It was earlier reported that the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) has appealed to Telangana Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy to reconsider the decision to allocate Damagundam Forest to the Indian Navy for the radar project. Approximately 105 stakeholders, including environmental and social activists, as well as concerned citizens, have urged the withdrawal of the decision.
The project, proposed by the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) in Visakhapatnam, aims to establish a Very Low Frequency (VLF) radar station for communication with ships and submarines. However, it would require the removal of around 1.2 million diverse trees from the reserve forest land of Damagundam. The project’s scope covers 2,900 acres, including 1,400 acres for an Antenna Park, 1,090 acres for technical areas, 310 acres for official residential complexes, and 100 acres designated as a ‘safe zone’ for radiation hazards.
Meanwhile, the GHMC is also conducting cleanliness activities under the Swachadanam-Pachadanam program. This includes cleaning lakes such as Langer House Lake and the Musi River, as well as removing garbage waste from roads across the city.
Today, As part of Vanamahotsavam Program , New plants were planted under Khairatabad Metro Line@CommissionrGHMC @TelanganaCMO@Ponnam_INC @gadwalvijayainc@GHMCOnline @PrlsecyMAUD pic.twitter.com/HCYsV4PHBB
— Zonal Commissioner Khairatabad, GHMC (@ZC_Khairatabad) August 14, 2024
