People take part in a silent memorial and human chain protest at Cancer Hospital Junction in Hyderabad on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Photo credit: NAGARA GOPAL
Hundreds of citizens gathered on Sunday, May 10, to protest the ongoing felling and trimming of trees around the Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (KBR) National Park, the 10th day of consecutive demonstrations to protect the city’s forest.
According to a press release issued by activists associated with the #SaveKBR movement, protests intensified after large-scale felling and removal of trees reportedly began around April 18 at locations including Agrasen Junction, the middle section between the Cancer Hospital and the KBR boundary wall, and the area between the Omega Hospital and the KBR Main Gate.
Activists said the problem is related to ongoing construction activities and proposed infrastructure works under the H-CITI project around the park.
Vijay Mallangi, who together with lawyer Dr. Lubna Sarwathová followed the information regarding the permission to cut trees, questioned the legality of the process. They alleged that the permits allegedly granted by the Tree Preservation Board under the WALTA Act lacked transparency and argued that written consent from the designated officer through the prescribed Form 14 is mandatory for legal felling of trees.
Public policy expert and climate action activist Dr. Donthi Narasimha Reddy claimed that the KBR National Park was threatened with a thousand cuts and expressed concern over the proposed flyovers and underpasses.
Kaajal Maheshwari, one of the main activists of the #SaveKBR movement and a petitioner on the matter, said that the movement is getting support from the people of Hyderabad as well as people from all over the world.
Published – 10 May 2026 20:19 IST
