HYDERABAD, May 12 Workers of the district government felled several eucalyptus trees on Fatima Jinnah road on Tuesday.

District government sources claimed that the trees caused obstacles to high tension lines.

The road is one of the main arteries of the city and trees were old ones. According to District Officer (forest) Mr Faisal, those trees have been a subject of debate and a seminar was also held in Hyderabad one year ago.

He said the trees had deep roots which could damage the road.

The road in question remained completely closed since morning to afternoon as workers keep felling trees. Main National Bank Branch, PTCL's customer service and some shopping centres are located off Fatima Jinnah road.

“These were old trees and should not have been cut by the authorities,” said a shopkeeper who runs a shop on the said road. He called for more plantation.

The district government has launched a beautification drive in the city. Recently street light towers have been installed on the road in addition to some plantation.

The district government sources said the trees had been causing hurdles in high tension line and considered harmful especially during monsoon rains.

More suitable plantation would replace the old trees, they added.