Hyderabad's Chevella Banyans Face Survival Crisis
Hyderabad faces a critical environmental challenge with its iconic Chevella banyan trees. The National Highways Authority of India agreed to translocate 150 trees and preserve 765 in place. However, a new ground assessment reveals troubling discrepancies.
Shocking Ground Reality Emerges
Two forestry students conducted a detailed survey with Vata Foundation. They examined each tree individually. Their findings paint a grim picture.
Only 867 banyan trees currently exist at the site. This number falls short of the 911 trees mentioned in official reports. Most trees show visible damage.
- At least 184 banyans suffered burns at their base
- Over 300 trees display various damage levels
- Many have burnt branches or partially burnt trunks
- Numerous trees underwent heavy pruning or trimming
Researcher Boda Vijendar described the scene. "Several trees were found dead, while some could not be located at all. Some were uprooted and lying on the roadside," he said.
L Siddhartha, another researcher, confirmed the severity. "We saw a few dead trees, too, lying on the ground, which died in the same manner — burnt at the base," he explained. Trees with base burns face almost certain death.
Experts Question Conservation Plan
Environmentalists previously warned about preserving banyans in situ. They emphasized these trees need adequate space to thrive.
Uday Krishna of Vata Foundation expressed strong concerns. "A banyan tree needs 360-degree space to grow. Confining it to a 1.5-meter median with highways on both sides is the most short-sighted thing to do," he cautioned.
He highlighted existing problems. "Even now, the Chevella banyans growing along the road are losing branches due to lack of aerial root support. Restricting them further to a median will only increase the risk of falling branches, endangering motorists," Krishna added.
Broader Conservation Issues Surface
The environmental activist raised another critical point. The National Green Tribunal petition focused exclusively on banyan trees. It overlooked approximately 9,331 trees of other species mentioned in an earlier NHAI report.
"Neither the NHAI report nor the NGT petition mentions these trees. What will happen to those trees? Most of them also have disappeared," Krishna questioned.
Natasha Ramaratnam, one of the petitioners, provided clarification. "The NHAI had changed the alignment to include the trees as avenue plantations or trees in the median, so the other species will also be protected in a similar manner," she stated.
Ramaratnam explained their petition's focus. "Our petition was specifically about the banyans as they are heritage trees, hence, we could not add other trees. But in the new alignment, some of the other species will also be saved," she said.
Local Residents Voice Safety Concerns
Meanwhile, Hyderabad residents express serious reservations about the conservation plan. They worry about potential safety hazards.
Dileep Reddy operates a petrol pump along the highway. He shared his apprehensions. "This is a bad idea. It will hinder visibility. Who will prune the branches regularly?" he asked.
Reddy highlighted accident risks. "During thunderstorms, the branches can easily fall on people or vehicles, increasing the chances of accidents. Most mishaps on this road occur near the banyans, and keeping the trees in the middle of the highway will only add to the risk," he warned.
The situation presents complex challenges. Hyderabad must balance heritage conservation with public safety and infrastructure development. The fate of Chevella's banyan trees remains uncertain as debates continue.
