The Supreme Court has placed a temporary stay on the felling of trees within the eco-sensitive zone surrounding Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (KBR) National Park in Hyderabad. This decision came from a bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan on May 18. The court’s directive mandates that no tree felling should occur within a 25 to 35 metres radius of the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) related to the national park.

Petition Challenging Tree Cutting Plan

The interim order was issued during the hearing of a plea filed by Kaajal Maheshwari, who contested the Telangana High Court’s earlier refusal to grant interim relief in this matter. The petitioner is appealing against a decision that proposed reducing the width of the eco-sensitive zone to between 3 metres and 29.8 metres. The argument presented claims that such a reduction undermines the fundamental purpose of an ESZ, which serves as a buffer to protect environmentally sensitive areas.

According to the plea, KBR National Park is classified as an ecologically sensitive urban forest and plays a crucial role as a green space in Hyderabad. The original proposal for the eco-sensitive zone of 25 to 35 metres was reportedly reduced to allow for infrastructure development, particularly for the Strategic Road Development Plan (SRDP). This, the petition contends, risks significant ecological harm by permitting construction activities in close proximity to the park.

The Telangana High Court’s interim order on March 31, 2026, has also faced scrutiny. The court was informed about ongoing unregulated construction activities near the KBR National Park, emphasising the need for timely intervention to prevent irreversible damage to the ecosystem. Despite this, the High Court opted to postpone the matter until May 5, instructing the petitioners to conduct further research regarding permissible and restricted activities within the eco-sensitive zone.

Environmental Considerations Highlighted in the Case

The case underscores the importance of maintaining strict regulations around protected areas like KBR National Park. Both the petitioner and advocates for environmental protection argue that the reduction of the ESZ endangers the delicate balance of urban ecosystems. The Supreme Court’s recent decision to maintain a stay on tree felling acts as a crucial step in preserving the area’s ecological integrity.

By reinforcing the importance of the eco-sensitive zone, the court aims to ensure a protective barrier that is capable of mitigating the adverse impacts of urbanisation. The developments in this case reflect ongoing tensions between infrastructure development and environmental protection, reinforcing the need for comprehensive policy frameworks that address both areas simultaneously.

As the situation evolves, stakeholders, including environmentalists and urban planners, are likely to closely monitor judicial proceedings and subsequent decisions. The outcome may serve as a precedent for similar cases involving urban parks and eco-sensitive zones across India.

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