Trees felled on Kaifi Azmi road in Banjara Hills for H-CITI project

Hyderabad, Aug 4: In a move that has stirred unease among local residents and environmentalists, trees along Kaifi Azmi road in Banjara Hills have been felled to make way for the H-CITI project. The road, known for its shaded canopy, is now dotted with fresh stumps, a stark reminder of the city's expanding infrastructure footprint.

The felling, which began earlier this week, is part of the proposed H-CITI project, an ambitious urban development initiative. While officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of trees removed, eyewitnesses say the cutting has been extensive, covering a significant stretch of the road.

Project details and scrutiny

H-CITI, short for Hyderabad City Infrastructure and Technology Initiative, aims to modernise urban spaces with smart amenities and improved connectivity. However, the tree removal has reignited debates over the balance between development and environmental conservation in one of Hyderabad's most upscale neighbourhoods.

Residents of Banjara Hills, who have long valued the area's green cover, expressed disappointment. "These trees were part of our daily lives, providing shade and cleaner air. We were not consulted before this decision," said a local resident, requesting anonymity.

Environmental concerns and backlash

Environmental activists have also raised alarms, pointing out that such felling often leads to a permanent loss of biodiversity. "Urban trees are not just decorative; they are vital for temperature regulation and air quality. Their removal without a transparent plan is concerning," said an activist familiar with the project.

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has been approached for comments, but officials have not yet issued a public statement. In previous similar projects, the civic body has mandated compensatory plantation, but no such details have been shared for H-CITI so far.

What happens next

As the project progresses, the focus will be on whether authorities will release a detailed environmental impact assessment and a clear plan for tree transplantation or replantation. Residents have demanded a meeting with project officials to seek clarity and assurance that the green character of the road will be preserved.

For now, the stumps on Kaifi Azmi road stand as a silent testament to the city's rapid transformation, leaving many to wonder if progress can truly coexist with nature.

The coming weeks will be crucial, as civic bodies and project proponents are expected to respond to the growing public scrutiny. Whether the H-CITI project will incorporate greener alternatives remains to be seen, but the conversation has already begun.