Supreme Court Warns Telangana Over Unauthorized Deforestation in Hyderabad’s Kancha Gachibowli Forest
The Supreme Court of India has strongly cautioned the Telangana government to take immediate action to restore the forest area in Kancha Gachibowli, Hyderabad, following protests by students and environmental activists against alleged unauthorized tree-felling.
Court Observes Pre-planned Bulldozing
The Bench noted that the bulldozing activities over roughly 100 acres of forest land during a long weekend appeared pre-planned. The court said, “We are putting you on guard,” pointing out that officials took advantage of the long weekend to carry out the work. The court questioned the government’s approach, emphasizing the visible evidence of premeditated destruction.
Telangana Government’s Response
Abhishek Singhvi, representing the Telangana government, requested an opportunity to demonstrate how the development of an IT Park can coexist with ecological preservation. He clarified that no current activity is ongoing on the Kancha Gachibowli lands.
Court Orders Restoration or Consequences
The court, advocating for sustainable development, ordered the authorities either to restore the forest or face temporary imprisonment for half a dozen officials involved. Counsel K. Parmeshwar noted that around 60% of the cleared area was dense forest and emphasized that forest restoration must be timely, considering the monsoon season. The next hearing is scheduled for July 23.
Protection of Whistleblowers and Animal Habitats
The court declined to hear a plea to cancel FIRs against students who acted as whistleblowers, advising them to pursue legal options elsewhere.
In an earlier hearing, the court expressed concern about the deforestation near the Hyderabad Central University campus, criticizing the state government for allowing construction without proper permissions. The court highlighted the displacement and endangerment of wildlife, with animals shown fleeing their habitats and being attacked by stray dogs.
Demand for National Park Status
The controversy arises from plans by the Congress-led government to redevelop approximately 400 acres near the university, sparking protests. The Vata Foundation, an NGO, has petitioned to classify the land as a deemed forest and sought its declaration as a national park under the Wildlife Protection Act due to its ecological importance.
Rich Biodiversity at Risk
The forest is home to 233 bird species, including several endangered animals and plants protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act. It also hosts a rare spider species, Murricia Hyderabadensis, and contains 72 species of trees alongside ancient rock formations estimated to be over two billion years old.
Government Clarifies Position and Political Context
The Telangana government maintains it has not encroached on university land and has accused opposition parties BRS and BJP of spreading misinformation for political purposes.
The Congress government’s policy of land monetization through auctions dates back to earlier leadership and is now a standard practice in Telangana. Facing a growing state debt projected to exceed Rs 5 lakh crore by FY 2025-26, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is looking to raise funds through land sales to support social welfare programs, highlighting the financial pressures behind the Kancha Gachibowli land auction.
