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Theme park at Necklace Road a threat to environment
A fresh controversy surrounding the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) is brewing with the environmentalists claiming that the construction of a theme park in the eco-conservation zone near Jalavihar on the Necklace Road will displace about 35 bird species and also disturb the bio-diversity.
Hyderabad: A fresh controversy surrounding the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) is brewing with the environmentalists claiming that the construction of a theme park in the eco-conservation zone near Jalavihar on the Necklace Road will displace about 35 bird species and also disturb the bio-diversity.
The HMDA has recently proposed to construct the theme park near Jalavihar in 10 acres with an estimated cost of Rs 8 crore. According to an official of the Authority, the theme park under the shoreline improvement initiative, the HMDA has identified the land between Jalavihar and P V Ghat for developing the park. It will be equipped with elevated walkways, underpass, glass deck, lakeside deck, children play area, etc. A Mumbai based consultancy has already prepared a detailed project report for the park and submitted the same to the HMDA.
Reacting on the same, environmental expert BV Subba Rao said the proposed theme park will disturb the ecosystem. He said several snake families and 35 bird species will be displaced. He said due to lack of vision, the state government had already damaged the ecosystem in the Hussainsagar Lake. He asked the government to hold a public debate in order to seek an opinion.
"There are several lakes in the city where theme parks can be constructed. The Hussainsagar Lake suffered enough," he said. Earlier, the Supreme Court in an order clearly mentioned that the state government should not take up any development activities around the Hussainsagar Lake as it would disturb the bio-diversity.
“The government violating the apex court's order has proposed to construct the theme park attracting the contempt of court. The court has also ruled that the Chief Secretary will be held responsible if its orders were violated,” said Professor K Purushotham Reddy, an environmental expert. Lubna Sarwath, co-convener of the Save Our Urban Lakes (SOUL), accused the government of commercialising the Hussainsagar Lake.
"Where is the need for constructing a theme park in the wetland conservation zone? Is the government trying to kill the lake," asks Lubna. When queried about the same subject, a senior HMDA official told The Hans India that they have been following the instructions of the government and will discuss the issue with higher authorities.
By Maddy Deekshith
