The Supreme Court strongly emphasised that the restoration of status quo on deforested land in the Kancha Gachibowli region of Telangana shall be its foremost concern. The Court, while hearing a matter involving large-scale tree felling and potential ecological damage, directed the State's Wildlife Warden to undertake immediate measures for wildlife protection. The bench cautioned Telangana officials that any attempt to hinder the restoration process could attract penal consequences, including imprisonment.
The controversy relates to the clearing of approximately 100 acres of land in the Kancha Gachibowli area, where thousands of trees were felled allegedly without appropriate approvals. The Supreme Court had earlier restrained any development in the area. However, fresh allegations emerged, pointing towards continued deforestation and ecological disruption despite the Court's directions.
Senior Advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the State of Telangana, submitted that all developmental works in the concerned area had been halted. He contended that any lapses were unintentional and claimed that, except for a small number of trees, prior approval had been obtained in accordance with the provisions of the WALTA Act. He also informed the bench that the process had been ongoing since March 2024 and denied any deliberate wrongdoing.
Justice BR Gavai, however, expressed disbelief at the state's reliance on self-certification for tree felling and reminded the counsel of the Supreme Court’s 1996 judgment, which mandated that the term ‘forest’ be interpreted as per its dictionary definition. The bench questioned whether the state's actions were above the Court's authority and called into question the legitimacy of any such certifications.
Senior Advocate K. Parameswar, acting as amicus curiae, pointed out that the State had mortgaged land to a private entity for ₹10,000 crore just prior to the deforestation activity. He stated that the State Chief Secretary’s affidavit was silent on these transactions and raised concerns over potential claims by private parties on the mortgaged land.
Taking note of the extensive ecological damage, the Court observed, “We are concerned with restoration of status quo and the ecological balance. If the Chief Secretary wants to be spared, let the State come up with a plan to reforest the 100 acres. Else, we do not know how many officers may have to be sent to temporary prison.”
The Court made it explicitly clear that no further trees should be cut in the area. It further remarked that the state's justification for felling trees during a holiday period in March 2025 was unconvincing and questioned the urgency of the activity. Referring to images and reports of displaced wildlife, the Court expressed alarm, “We are surprised to see videos of herbivorous animals being chased by stray dogs while seeking shelter. Let your Wildlife Warden tell us on the next date what is being done to protect these animals.”
Justice Gavai drew parallels to protected green areas in cities like Chennai, Mumbai, and Jaipur, urging the State to preserve similar ecological lungs in Hyderabad. In response to the apprehension raised by the CEC regarding private claims on the mortgaged land, the Court reaffirmed its commitment, “Under Article 142 of the Constitution, we can do anything. For protection of the environment and ecology, we will go out of the way if needed.”
The matter has been adjourned to May 15. In the interim, the Court has granted the State four weeks to respond to the voluminous report submitted by the Centrally Empowered Committee (CEC). It directed the Wildlife Warden of Telangana to take urgent steps for the preservation of wildlife in the deforested area and reiterated that not a single tree should be felled until further orders.
The Court reminded the State of its earlier directions from April 3, which had strictly prohibited any activity in the area apart from preservation efforts. It held the Chief Secretary personally accountable for ensuring compliance and demanded a detailed affidavit addressing specific queries, including the rationale for the urgency, permissions obtained, and the future plan for the felled trees.
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