Flyover plan may fell 183 trees in Banjara Hills

Hyderabad: The state government is moving ahead with plans to build a flyover from Jalagam Vengal Rao (JVR) Park towards the TV9 junction in Banjara Hills to ease congestion. Officials estimate that 183 trees on both sides of Road No. 2 will need to be cut for the project.

Forest department staff, Urban Biodiversity wing and members of the Tree Protection Committee conducted a survey along the stretch. Trees identified for felling have already been marked. Officials said they would carry out another survey soon to determine how many trees could be relocated and submit a report to higher authorities.

Thousands of vehicles use Banjara Hills Road No. 2 daily to reach Jubilee Hills, Madhapur, Hitec City and Gachibowli. Narrow lanes and multiple junctions cause traffic bottlenecks, prompting the government to push for flyovers and underpasses in the area.

Earlier, officials had reported that nearly 1,900 trees around JVR Park, Sagar Society, KBR Park, Jubilee Hills checkpost, Balakrishna’s residence, Telangana Bhavan and Basavatarakam Cancer Hospital may have to be removed for various flyover projects under consideration.