Police Detain Save KBR Park Protesters in Hyderabad Over Tree Felling

Hyderabad: A confrontation between environmental activists and police has heightened tensions in Banjara Hills following the detention of Save KBR Park volunteers who opposed tree felling operations in the vicinity of Indo-American Cancer Hospital.

According to a statement released on Wednesday by the civilian organisation, volunteers and residents came together for a peaceful demonstration after witnessing tree-cutting work commence in the early morning hours of Tuesday, around 2 am.

Volunteer Deeksha recounted how activists hurried to the location upon learning that the GHMC had initiated tree removal during nighttime hours. She emphasised that the volunteers conducted an orderly, non-violent protest against the felling activities.

Police subsequently apprehended the demonstrators and transported them to the Banjara Hills police station. The Save KBR Park organisation has since appealed to authorities to provide information about the detained individuals, including their current location and status.

The group has also called for legal access to those held in custody and their swift release from detention.

The arrests have amplified alarm within the environmental movement regarding ongoing tree felling near KBR Park. Activists have referenced a 2021 stay order in their opposition to the current operations, with some forming human chains around trees in attempts to prevent removal work.