Now Reading: Residents protest as HMDA fells trees at heritage Paigah Palace
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Residents protest as HMDA fells trees at heritage Paigah Palace
Residents of Begumpet in Hyderabad are protesting after the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) cut down trees on the campus of the 125-year-old Paigah Palace, which is being renovated to become the authority’s new headquarters. Siasat.com reports that nearly 50 trees were felled between August 22 and 24. A retired employee who has lived in the area for 36 years said the grounds once sheltered peacocks and birds, which have now left. Residents said they were given no chance to object before the felling began, and questioned why the US Consulate could operate there for years without disturbing the greenery.
Telangana Today reports a lower number, 23 trees, including neem and mango, that were removed for translocation to Sanjeevaiah Park. HMDA sources told the outlet the trees had to be removed to build a three-level underground parking facility. The authority said most of the felled trees showed no growth, and that the work had all required permissions including clearance from forest officials. The palace was built around 1900 and was leased to the US Consulate from 2008 to 2023. HMDA plans to permanently shift from Ameerpet to the palace in the coming months.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Siasat.com leads with resident anger and the environmental damage, citing nearly 50 trees felled, while Telangana Today leads with the HMDA's parking project and says only 23 trees were removed for translocation. The lower number and the phrase 'translocation' frame the action as planned relocation rather than destruction. The gap between 50 and 23 suggests either different counting periods or species, but neither source clarifies. Residents were given no chance to object. The dispute echoes a 2008 controversy when the US Consulate cut 42 trees at the same site. HMDA's claim of permissions does not address whether the heritage tag triggers additional safeguards. The outcome depends on whether the transplanted trees survive and whether public consultation is held before further clearing.
Coverage: 2 sources, 1 pro-government, 1 government-critical
Sources (2): siasat.com (government critical), telanganatoday.com (pro government)
This brief was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above, so one read covers every framing they carry. Methodology and corrections.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
