GHMC Faces Backlash for Illegal Tree Felling in Kondapur

Speedy Summary

• Over a dozen fully grown rain trees and copper pod trees were felled recently on road margins in Kondapur, Hyderabad.
• The deforestation was reportedly based on an expired permission granted by the Tree Protection Committee (TPC) under the Forest Department for road widening purposes.
• Permission issued to fell 18 trees and translocate 14 more as part of an application filed in March 2025 mandated tree operations to be completed before August 27,2025.
• GHMC proceeded with tree felling beyond the stipulated deadline, allegedly disregarding TPCS regulations.
• Witnesses describe widespread chopping that ignored wildlife habitats such as bird nests, raising ethical concerns about environmental accountability.
• Activist Uday Krishna Peddireddi criticized the lack of care in tree translocation and alleged profiteering from felled wood sales.
• Deputy Commissioner Shashirekha stated she was unaware of recent tree felling; forest officials provided no response.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The reported incident highlights recurring negligence concerning urban environmental governance in Hyderabad. Despite established protocols by bodies like TPC designed to balance developmental needs with ecological preservation, deviations such as missed deadlines and improper oversight undermine these efforts. Rapidly reducing urban greenery threatens biodiversity health and exacerbates climate-related challenges like rising temperatures and pollution levels.

This situation underscores an urgent need for transparent implementation mechanisms ensuring adherence to guidelines-such as timelines-and preventing exploitative practices such as indiscriminate deforestation or commercial sale of wood. Engagements with environmental activists may foster better oversight while integrating NGO expertise into strategies like effective translocation could improve success rates. Accountability systems involving local authorities must address lapses decisively while prioritizing public participation in environmental matters moving forward.

Read more: Over a dozen trees lay felled on road margins in Kondapur