Judgment Suspends Axing of Trees Near Hyderabad University, Environmental Activists Rejoice

NATIONAL

In a crucial move, the Supreme Court has stayed tree felling on 400 acres of land in Kancha Gachibowli, near Hyderabad Central University, until further orders. The court has directed the Telangana Chief Secretary to ensure that no trees are cut down until then. The stay was issued after senior advocate K. Parmeshwar, the amicus curiae in forest cases, brought the issue to the court’s attention.

According to reports, the authorities have been felling trees on the land, taking advantage of extended holidays over the weekend. The court observed that newspapers have depicted vast deforestation in the area, and noted that the forest is home to eight types of scheduled animals. The Telangana High Court had earlier stayed tree felling and other works on the land until Thursday, following a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by HCU students and Vata Foundation, a non-governmental organization working for environmental conservation.

Vata Foundation has sought deemed forest status for the land and demanded that it be declared a national park under Section 35 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. The petitioners argued that even if the land is government-owned, the authorities must follow Supreme Court orders. They alleged that heavy vehicles were being used to uproot trees and level the ground, and that the government was acting against Supreme Court guidelines.

The petitioners claimed that the land features three lakes, several rocks, and many species of animals and birds, which need to be protected. The court was told that a tense situation has been prevailing in the area for the last few days. A bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and A.G. Masih has directed the Registrar of the Telangana High Court to inspect the site and submit a report by 3:30 pm on Thursday. The court has scheduled further hearing after receipt of the report.

The PIL was filed by HCU students and Vata Foundation, which argued that the land is ecologically sensitive and recognized as a biodiversity hotspot by the Supreme Court in the Godavarman case. The petitioners contended that a committee of experts must be constituted to remove trees from forested land, and that an expert committee must visit the site and study it for a month if the land inhabited by wildlife is to be levelled.

The apex court’s interim order is seen as a significant victory for environmental conservation efforts in the region. The case highlights the importance of following Supreme Court guidelines and protecting vital ecosystems. As the court continues to hear the case, it remains to be seen what measures will be taken to safeguard the land and its inhabitants.

Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/04/03/supreme-court-stays-tree-felling-on-land-near-hyderabad-university/
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Publish Date: 2025-04-03 14:16:00