Hyderabad: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the alleged arbitrary arrest and detention of five environmental activists protesting tree felling near Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (KBR) National Park in Hyderabad. The commission warned that, if the allegations are confirmed, the incident may amount to a serious violation of human rights.
The NHRC has issued notices to the Telangana Director General of Police and the Hyderabad District Collector, directing them to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a comprehensive report within two weeks.
What Happened on May 13 Near KBR Park
According to media reports cited by the NHRC, members of the Save KBR campaign gathered in the early hours of May 13 to peacefully protest alleged tree felling near the park.
Activists claim that:
- They formed a human chain around trees to prevent cutting
- The tree felling allegedly took place overnight
- The activity violated a 2021 stay order, as per protestors
After most participants dispersed, Banjara Hills Police detained one volunteer. Four other activists who went to the police station to inquire about the detention were also held for several hours.
FIRs Filed and Subsequent Release on Bail
Police later registered FIRs against all five activists under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Unlawful obstruction
- Damage to property
- Criminal intimidation
All five activists were subsequently released on bail.
NHRC Flags Concerns Over Right to Peaceful Protest
The NHRC observed that if media reports are accurate, the incident raises serious concerns regarding:
- Protection of the right to peaceful protest
- Alleged misuse of police powers
- Treatment of citizens exercising democratic rights
The commission has sought a factual report to determine whether proper legal procedures were followed during the arrests and detention.
KBR Park Tree Felling Controversy Linked to H-CITI Project
The controversy is linked to the H-CITI infrastructure project, which proposes the construction of:
- Seven steel flyovers
- Multiple underpasses
- Road infrastructure upgrades in Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills
Environmental groups allege that the project has led to the felling of thousands of mature trees in one of Hyderabad’s most ecologically sensitive urban forest zones.
Supreme Court Steps In on Eco-Sensitive Zone Protection
The issue has also reached the Supreme Court, which recently intervened by:
- Staying all tree felling within a 25–35 metre eco-sensitive zone around KBR Park
- Issuing notices to the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Telangana government
The court’s intervention adds a judicial dimension to the ongoing environmental and civic dispute.
Ongoing Scrutiny Over Environmental and Civil Rights Concerns
With NHRC involvement and Supreme Court oversight, the KBR Park case has now become a key flashpoint involving environmental protection, urban infrastructure development, and citizens’ right to protest. The matter is expected to see further legal and administrative developments in the coming weeks.
