The Supreme Court has taken serious note of the deforestation at Kancha Gachibowli in Hyderabad and has ordered the Telangana government to stop any further tree felling at the site. The decision came after reports suggested that authorities had accelerated deforestation during the long holiday weekend.
The court has also directed the Telangana High Court Registrar (Judicial) to visit the site immediately and submit a status report. The issue has sparked widespread protests, particularly from environmental activists and students, who argue that the area is a crucial ecological zone.
Supreme Court Steps In—No More Tree Felling
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kancha Gachibowli, Hyderabad |
| Supreme Court’s Directive | Immediate halt to tree felling |
| Interim Status Report | To be submitted by Telangana HC Registrar |
| Hearing Time | 3:45 PM |
| Key Concern | Deforestation in a protected area |
| Protests | Led by students and environmentalists |
| State’s Plan | Auction land for IT development |
| Legal Representation | Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi for the petitioners |
Supreme Court’s Directives on Kancha Gachibowli Deforestation
Immediate Court Action
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The Supreme Court Bench, comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih, has directed the Telangana Chief Secretary to ensure that no trees are cut until further orders.
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The Telangana High Court Registrar (Judicial) has been asked to visit the site immediately and submit an interim report by 3:30 PM.
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The court has scheduled the next hearing at 3:45 PM to review the situation.
Why the Supreme Court Took Action
The case was brought to the Supreme Court’s attention by Senior Advocate K Parameshwar, who is acting as amicus curiae in the TN Godavarman case. He cited news reports that highlighted:
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Authorities rushed to cut trees during the long holiday weekend to avoid scrutiny.
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The forest is home to eight species of protected animals, raising concerns about environmental destruction.
Dispute Over Kancha Gachibowli Land
Government’s Plan for the Land
The Telangana government, through the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Ltd. (TGIIC), has planned to auction the 400-acre land to develop IT infrastructure.
Protests Against the Deforestation
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Many environmentalists and local residents claim the land is forest land and an eco-sensitive zone.
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The area is regarded as the ‘lungs’ of Hyderabad, crucial for maintaining air quality.
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Students from the University of Hyderabad have been at the forefront of protests, leading to clashes with the police.
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Reports indicate that two former students have been arrested for participating in the protests.
Legal Battle and Telangana High Court’s Role
Petitions Against Tree Felling
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The Telangana High Court is already hearing multiple petitions challenging the tree felling.
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Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi is representing the petitioners who are opposing the deforestation.
Supreme Court’s Stance on Telangana HC Case
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The Supreme Court did not stay the ongoing proceedings in the Telangana High Court.
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However, it emphasized that the state government must halt tree cutting while legal proceedings continue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What did the Supreme Court order regarding Kancha Gachibowli?
The Supreme Court ordered an immediate stop to tree felling and directed the Telangana High Court Registrar (Judicial) to inspect the site and submit a report.
2. Why is Kancha Gachibowli important?
It is considered an eco-sensitive zone, home to eight species of protected animals and crucial for Hyderabad’s air quality.
3. What is the Telangana government’s plan for the land?
The government plans to auction the 400-acre land through the TGIIC for IT infrastructure development.
4. Who is opposing the deforestation?
Environmentalists, University of Hyderabad students, and activists claim that the land should be preserved as forest land.
5. Has the Telangana High Court taken any action?
Yes, the Telangana High Court is hearing petitions against the deforestation. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi is representing the petitioners.
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