In a move that triggered protests, the Telangana government allegedly bulldozed hundreds of trees at the University of Hyderabad on Tuesday. 

Ironically, the trees were removed was to create space for the planting of new saplings during the government's plantation drive that is scheduled for July 11.

The Times of India reported that the incident came to light when a few students observed 15 earth-movers removing trees. 

While the registrar of the varsity told the newspaper that the proposal to plant 1.25 lakh saplings was cleared by the vice-chancellor, students claimed that the felling of green cover was unauthorized.

Speaking to TOI, an HMDA official said “During the drive, saplings of Neem, Kanaka and Peepal will be planted. The earth-movers were used to clear only bushes and shrubs. If they have removed trees as well, I shall look into it."