The Supreme Court of India has ordered the Telangana government to take immediate action to restore the forest area in Kancha Gachibowli, Hyderabad, where recent tree-felling activities have sparked protests from students and environmental activists. The court expressed serious concerns over the abrupt clearing of around 100 acres last month, which it deemed “pre-planned.” “You have taken advantage of a long weekend. Haven’t you seen the photos? Bulldozers were deployed,” the Bench remarked to the officials engaged in the bulldozing. The court emphasized its commitment to sustainable development, stating that authorities must either restore the forest or face the possibility of sending several officers to temporary imprisonment. It was noted that approximately 60 percent of the deforested area consisted of moderately to heavily dense forest. The next court hearing is set for July 23.
The court declined to hear a petition attempting to annul FIRs against student whistleblowers, urging them to seek relief in appropriate courts. Previously, a Bench led by Justices BR Gavai and AG Masih warned the state, reiterating that “high-rises cannot exist in the company of deer.” This deforestation occurred adjacent to the Hyderabad Central University campus without proper authorization. The court criticized the damage to local wildlife habitats, citing videos showing herbivorous animals fleeing from stray dogs.
The turmoil surrounding the Kancha Gachibowli land originated from the Congress party’s plans to redevelop approximately 400 acres near the university, prompting protests from students and activists who claim the bulldozing violates Supreme Court orders and threatens local wildlife. The Vata Foundation, a non-governmental organization, has petitioned for deemed forest status for the land and urged its designation as a ‘national park’ under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Environmental advocates have highlighted that the area serves as a biodiverse habitat, hosting 233 bird species and the rare Murricia Hyderabadensis spider, found exclusively in this forest. Additionally, there are three reptile and 27 bird species classified as endangered under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The region also boasts 72 tree species and ancient mushroom rock formations, estimated to be over two billion years old.
The Telangana government has asserted it has not encroached upon university land and has criticized opposition parties, including the BRS and BJP, for allegedly spreading misinformation for political advantage. Land monetization through auctions was first introduced under former Chief Minister YS Rajashekhara Reddy and has become a standard practice in Telangana. Facing a looming debt projected to surpass Rs 5 lakh crore by FY 2025-26, the newly elected Congress government under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy aims to generate funds through land auctions to support welfare initiatives. The Chief Minister has acknowledged the financial constraints impacting capital expenditure, underscoring the urgent need behind the auctioning of Kancha Gachibowli land.
Original Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/putting-you-on-guard-court-raps-telangana-over-hyderabad-deforestation-row-8418662#publisher=newsstand
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Publish Date: 2025-05-15 12:02:00
