Chief Minister Revanth Reddy felicitated members of the Chevella Banyans campaign and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials following a favorable order from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding the protection of banyan trees during highway expansion work.
The meeting took place on 21 November 2025 at the behest of Pargi MLA T Ram Mohan Reddy. The Chief Minister honored the team after the NGT directed that a majority of the banyan trees along the highway route should be left in place during the expansion project.
During the felicitation ceremony, CM Revanth Reddy appreciated the efforts of the Save Banyan Campaign (SBC) in bringing attention to the environmental concerns. The Chief Minister also recognized Nageshwar Rao, Project Director at NHAI, for his role in the resolution of the case.
The Chevella Banyans campaign had been actively working to protect the historic banyan trees that line the highway stretch. The NGT’s order marked a significant victory for environmental activists and local communities who had raised concerns about the potential felling of these trees during the highway widening project.
In an important development during the meeting, the Chief Minister requested the Chevella Banyans team to extend their expertise and support for the restoration of lakes across Telangana. This request indicates the government’s recognition of the team’s capabilities in environmental conservation efforts.
The Chevella Banyans organization expressed gratitude to both Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and MLA Ram Mohan Reddy for their continuous efforts in bringing the issue to a satisfactory resolution. The team acknowledged the tireless work put in by both leaders to balance development needs with environmental protection.
The case highlights the growing importance of environmental considerations in infrastructure projects across the state. The NGT’s decision to preserve the majority of banyan trees while allowing highway expansion demonstrates a balanced approach to development and conservation.
The successful resolution of this case sets a precedent for future infrastructure projects in the region, where environmental concerns and development objectives need to be carefully balanced.
