Hyderabad: The peripheral track of KBR Park which is now under the control of Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) was once the National Park’s property.
Over 15 years ago, the then state government passed an order to allot a 35-feet wide area along the park’s perimeter to develop a walkway.
The Wildlife Protection Act states that a national park must have a minimum of 10 kms eco-sensitive area or buffer zone.
The KBR Park has only seven kms buffer, which will come down further. Director of World Wide Fund for Nature-Hyderabad, Ms Farida Tampal, said, “Since KBR is located in the heart of the city, having 10 kms zone along it is impossible, but it cannot have a zero buffer area. The present outer track is the park’s acquired property and developed by the HMDA.”
She added that during construction of the flyovers, the noise levels must be taken care of. The plan has not gone down well with walkers of the park.
This year, the park has issued 2,500 passes and around 100 to 200 buy tickets every day and another 100 use the outer track.
Mr Rama Chandra Reddy, president of the KBR Walkers Association, said, “Whatever portion exists should remain as it is. Even if a small portion is lost, it will disturb the whole area. Concretisation of the park area will change its complete face.”
“Instead of acquiring the park land, the GHMC should plan to build along the median similar to the Metro. We understand that the government is working on a one-time solution to decrease congestion but this can be done with other alternatives. Also, it is very important for the GHMC to first create parking spaces for the walkers. If the space is not created, visiting KBR Park would be a tough task,” said KBR Walkers Association secretary, Jaiveer Reddy.
Another park visitor, Mr C.S Reddy, added, “Already there is some disturbance in the green walkway as many are not able to complete the circuit owing to the construction at the Jubliee Hills check post. The corporation should create a free pathway outside as it exists today.”
