KBR Park Event Faces Objections over Wildlife Act Violations
They also raised concern over senior forest department officials being listed as chief guest and guest of honour for the event. The groups said such participation or tacit approval would set a dangerous precedent and weaken the very purpose for which KBR was declared a protected area.
Hyderabad: Hyderabad-based citizens and environmental groups have objected to the proposed annual day celebrations by the Nature Park Walkers Association inside KBR Park, warning that walking and brisk-walking competitions scheduled on December 13 violated the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and threatened the park’s protected status.
In a statement issued on Friday, the groups said the banner displayed at the park entrance announcing the event had alarmed conservation-minded citizens and regular park users. “KBR is not an urban leisure park or public playground. It is a legally notified National Park under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972,” the statement said, adding that organised competitions and gatherings inside the park breach both the spirit and letter of the law.
They also raised concern over senior forest department officials being listed as chief guest and guest of honour for the event. The groups said such participation or tacit approval would set a dangerous precedent and weaken the very purpose for which KBR was declared a protected area.
Pointing to alternatives, the citizens noted that Hyderabad has adequate public spaces for walking and fitness activities, including the GHMC walkway surrounding the park, playgrounds, sports stadia and open grounds. The statement demanded immediate withdrawal of permission for any organised event inside the park, a public clarification from officials listed as guests, and strict directions barring future events, competitions or functions within the KBR Park.
