Heritage activist flags alleged tree cutting at Naya Qila, seeks forest dept inquiry
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Forest beat officer Syed Mubarak told TOI that he visited the spot following the complaint. At this stage, we cannot say whether the trees were cut two days ago or a month ago,” he said. Hyderabad : A heritage activist has sought the forest department’s intervention over alleged tree felling and burning of vegetation in Naya Qila near Golconda Fort, claiming the activity is being carried out for the expansion of the Hyderabad Golf Association (HGA) course and could threaten both the area’s ecology and heritage character. “We found that certain trees had been cut and logs were lying there. We are enquiring into the incident. No case has been registered so far. We will conduct further enquiries and submit a report to higher officials for appropriate action. The complainant, however, claimed that the trees were cut around two days ago. Download the TOI App.
It said continued activity, if established, could result in irreversible environmental damage and diminish the heritage value of Naya Qila and its surroundings. Khan alleged that tree cutting and burning of vegetation were being undertaken in and around Naya Qila as part of golf course expansion and development works. He urged the department to conduct a field inspection to determine the nature and extent of the activity and ascertain whether the HGA had secured the necessary permissions. The representation called for scrutiny of compliance with forest, environmental and other applicable regulations. It also sought directions to halt any unauthorised tree felling, burning of vegetation or other environmentally harmful activities pending the inquiry. Khan further requested an assessment of any environmental damage caused and sought appropriate restoration measures in accordance with the law. He asked the department to initiate legal or administrative action if violations were found and to inform him of the action taken. The complaint warned that burning trees and vegetation could lead to air pollution, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of the local ecological balance. Highlighting the historical significance of Naya Qila and the Golconda Fort precinct, Khan urged the authorities to examine whether any development activity could affect the landscape, archaeological remains, or protected heritage structures in the area.
Heritage Watch convener Ilyas Khan submitted a complaint to the forest range officer, Hyderabad West, on Tuesday, seeking an immediate inquiry into the alleged activities and verification of whether the required statutory clearances had been obtained.