The top court asked the State authorities to take immediate steps to restore the forest, or face serious consequences.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India, on Thursday, strongly warned the Telangana government for cutting down a large number of trees in Hyderabad’s Kancha Gachibowli area.
The top court asked the State authorities to take immediate steps to restore the forest, or face serious consequences.
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The matter was heard by a Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai along with Justice Augustine George Masih. They made it clear that the State government must either plant new trees to make up for the lost forest or be ready to deal with strict action.
“It is up to the State whether it wants to restore the forest or not. The entire issue was that the benefit of a long weekend was taken and thousands of trees were felled. Anyways, State has to decide whether it restores the forest or officers would be sent to jail,” CJI Gavai said orally during the hearing.
Background
The Supreme Court had taken suo motu (on its own) notice of the large-scale tree cutting by the Telangana government in a 400-acre area in Kancha Gachibowli village, near Hyderabad. The trees were cut down by the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) as part of a plan to auction the land for the development of IT infrastructure.
A bench of Justices Bhushan R Gavai and AG Masih passed the order after reports revealed that massive tree felling was done over the long weekend.
The court also asked the Registrar (Judicial) of the Telangana High Court to visit the site and submit a status report.
The bench stated in its order: “The news items show that the authorities, taking advantage of long holidays over the weekend, have rushed through in felling the trees. Additionally, the forest is said to be home to eight species of scheduled animals.”
The Supreme Court’s action came after media reports highlighted how authorities cleared large portions of forest land quickly, putting wildlife at risk. Senior advocate K Parameshwar, who is helping the court as amicus curiae in environmental cases, informed the court about the issue.
The top court further directed: “We further direct the Chief Secretary of the State of Telangana to ensure that, until further orders are passed by this Court, no tree felling shall be permitted in the Kancha Gachibowli forest area.”
The report informed the court that a large number of trees had been felled.
However, this action faced major opposition from environmental activists, students, and local residents. Protesters claimed that this land is forest land and part of an eco-sensitive zone that plays a crucial role in maintaining Hyderabad’s environment. They called it the “lungs” of Hyderabad city, as the green cover helps clean the air and support biodiversity.
Students from the University of Hyderabad, which is located nearby, were among the strongest voices against the plan. Many of them clashed with the police while trying to stop the tree cutting.
On April 3, the Supreme Court stayed further tree cutting and issued an interim order asking the Telangana government to explain:
- Why there was such an urgency to start the development project, including cutting trees?
- Whether proper permission was taken before the trees were cut?
The court also asked the Central Empowered Committee (CEC)—a body that helps the Supreme Court with important environmental matters—to personally visit the site and submit a detailed report.
In the next hearing on April 16, the Supreme Court again took a firm stand to protect the environment. It ordered a blanket status quo, meaning no more trees could be cut in the 400-acre land until further orders.
The Bench made it clear that it would do everything in its power to protect the environment and preserve ecological balance.
Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared on behalf of the Telangana government, while Senior Advocate K Parameshwar was appointed as Amicus Curiae (a neutral advisor to assist the court).
The case has now been scheduled for the next hearing on July 23, where the Supreme Court is expected to take further steps depending on the government’s response and the findings of the CEC.
