The Supreme Court intervened in the ongoing deforestation at Kancha Gachibowli, Hyderabad, and directed the Telangana government to prevent further tree felling at the site. The Court, while taking suo motu cognizance of the issue, instructed the Registrar (Judicial) of the Telangana High Court to conduct a site inspection and submit an interim report. The Bench underscored the urgency of the matter, stating that the destruction of forest land could have significant environmental implications.
The matter concerns a 400-acre land parcel in Kancha Gachibowli, which the Telangana government, through the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Ltd. (TGIIC), intends to auction for IT infrastructure development. However, environmental activists and local communities have opposed the move, asserting that the land constitutes a forest area and serves as an essential green lung for Hyderabad. Reports surfaced indicating that large-scale tree felling was being carried out over a long holiday weekend, prompting concerns that authorities were expediting deforestation without due process.
Amicus Curiae K. Parameshwar brought the matter to the Court’s attention, citing media reports that highlighted the extensive destruction of trees in the region. He argued that the urgency demonstrated by the authorities in cutting down trees during holidays suggested an attempt to bypass judicial scrutiny.
The Supreme Court, after reviewing the submissions, observed, "The news item shows that taking advantage of long holidays over the weekend, the authorities have rushed through in felling the trees." Acknowledging the environmental concerns, the Bench emphasized the necessity of immediate intervention to prevent irreparable damage. The Court also noted that protests against the project had intensified, with students from the University of Hyderabad clashing with law enforcement officers. Reports indicated that two former students had been arrested in connection with the demonstrations.
Directing the Telangana government to halt all further tree felling until further orders, the Top Court instructed the Telangana High Court Registrar (Judicial) to conduct a site visit and submit an interim status report by 3:30 PM. The matter was scheduled for further hearing at 3:45 PM. Additionally, the Bench clarified that the Telangana High Court, which is already hearing petitions challenging the deforestation, may continue its proceedings independently.
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