The Supreme Court cautioned the Telangana Government against continuing deforestation activities in Hyderabad’s Kancha Gachibowli, warning of stern action if restoration efforts are not undertaken. The Court issued this warning while hearing a suo motu case concerning the felling of thousands of trees on a 400-acre plot. Emphasising environmental preservation, the Bench remarked that if the forest cover is not reinstated, the responsible officers could face imprisonment.
The matter arose when it came to light that large-scale tree cutting had taken place at Kancha Gachibowli village, allegedly to facilitate an auction of the land by the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) for IT infrastructure development. The felling, reportedly carried out over a long weekend, triggered widespread protests from environmental groups and students, especially from the University of Hyderabad. Protesters contended that the land is part of an eco-sensitive zone and essential to Hyderabad’s ecological health, describing it as the city’s "lungs."
Taking cognisance of the incident on April 3, the Apex Court registered a suo motu public interest litigation and stayed any further cutting of trees. The Court sought clarification from the State regarding the urgency behind the developmental activity, particularly the removal of trees, and whether the required permissions under environmental and forest laws had been obtained.
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared for the State of Telangana, while Senior Advocate K Parameshwar assisted the Court in the capacity of Amicus Curiae. The Bench also directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), which advises the Supreme Court in complex environmental matters, to conduct a site visit and submit a comprehensive report.
The petitioners and protestors argued that the area, being part of a designated forest region, falls within the protective ambit of environmental laws and should not be subjected to commercial exploitation. They contended that the removal of such a dense green cover without following due process threatens local biodiversity and violates citizens' right to a healthy environment under Article 21 of the Constitution.
During the proceedings, the Court delivered a strong oral warning. Chief Justice BR Gavai observed,
"It is for the State to decide whether it wishes to restore the lost forest. Thousands of trees were felled under the guise of a long weekend. Either the forest is restored or the officers responsible will be sent to jail."
The Court reaffirmed its intent to safeguard environmental interests and signalled that it would not hesitate to take punitive steps if due compliance was not ensured.
The matter is scheduled to be taken up again on July 23, with the State Government expected to submit its clarification and the CEC report likely to play a crucial role in further proceedings. Meanwhile, the status quo on tree felling continues to operate as directed by the Court.
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