The Supreme Court will hear a case Today (April 16) regarding the alleged tree cutting in Hyderabad’s Kancha Gachibowli forest area. The issue has raised environmental concerns and public outcry over deforestation.
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court is set to hear a matter Today-April 16 regarding the Telangana government’s need to clarify the “compelling urgency” behind clearing a significant tree cover on a plot of land adjacent to the University of Hyderabad.
On April 3, the apex court took suo motu cognizance of the deforestation activities occurring in the Kancha Gachibowli forest, directing that no activities, except for the protection of existing trees, should be undertaken by the state or any authority until further orders.
The case arose after news came out that trees were being cut down to make way for land development. People living nearby and students from the University of Hyderabad say that the forest is home to many plants, animals, and birds. Cutting down the trees not only destroys nature but also affects the local climate and water levels.
According to the court’s schedule for April 16, the case will be heard by a bench of Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih.
The Supreme Court addressed the issue after being alerted by senior advocate K Parameshwar, who is serving as an amicus curiae in matters related to forests.
The bench reviewed an interim report from the registrar (judicial) of the Telangana High Court, which indicated that a significant number of small and medium-sized trees, as well as some larger ones, were being destroyed.
In its April 3 order, the bench stated,
“The report of the registrar (judicial) of the High Court of Telangana as well as photographs sent by him depict an alarming picture. Huge number of trees are being felled and apart from that, huge machinery is being deployed which has already destroyed an area of around 100 acres,”
The report further noted the presence of peacocks, deer, and various birds in the area, suggesting that a forest habitat existed for these wildlife species.
The bench instructed the chief secretary of Telangana to address several inquiries, including whether the state had obtained an Environmental Impact Assessment certificate for the proposed developmental activities and if the necessary permissions from forest authorities or local statutes were secured for tree felling.
Additionally, the Supreme Court requested that the central empowered committee visit the site in question and submit its findings before April 16.
Students from the University of Hyderabad have been protesting against the state government’s plans to develop the 400-acre land parcel next to the university.
Student groups and environmental activists have raised their voices against the development plan, saying it will harm the environment and nature.
This case is not only about one forest, but also about how India manages development while taking care of nature. People are hoping the court will give a fair decision that protects both people’s rights and the environment.
The Supreme Court’s action in Kancha Gachibowli Forest is a pivotal moment for environmental governance in India.
Case Title :
IN RE KANCHA GACHIBOWLI FOREST STATE OF TELANGANA
SMW(C) No. 3/2025
PREVIOUS ORDER-
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