New Delhi, April 03: The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a stern warning to the Telangana Chief Secretary over large-scale deforestation in Hyderabad’s Kancha Gachibowli, questioning the urgency behind the move and threatening legal action.
A bench of Justices BR Gavai and Augustine George Masih raised concerns over the state government’s decision to proceed with tree felling days after forming an Expert Committee for identifying forest areas. The Court had earlier mandated that Chief Secretaries would be held accountable for any lapses in forest land preservation.
Justice Gavai remarked, “Chief Secretary will go to temporary prison constructed on the same spot near the lake…if the Chief Secretary wants to enjoy the State hospitality, one can’t help it.”
The Court emphasized, “This is a very serious matter. Can’t take law into your own hands.” Taking suo motu cognizance of reports on deforestation, the Court directed the Telangana government to halt further tree felling immediately.
The Telangana High Court Registrar (Judicial) was instructed to visit the site and submit an interim report by 3:30 PM. The report confirmed extensive deforestation, deployment of heavy machinery over 100 acres, and the presence of wildlife, including peacocks and deer.
The Court issued the following directives:
- The Chief Secretary must explain the urgency behind the development activity and whether environmental clearances were obtained.
- The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) must personally visit the site and submit a report by April 16.
- No further activity, except protection of existing trees, shall be conducted until further orders.
The Court warned that failure to comply with its directives would hold the Chief Secretary personally responsible.
The issue came to light after Senior Advocate K Parameshwar, amicus curiae in the TN Godavarman environmental case, informed the Court of deforestation reports.
The disputed 400-acre land in Kancha Gachibowli is intended for IT infrastructure development through an auction by the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC). However, environmental activists argue that the land is an eco-sensitive forest zone critical for Hyderabad’s ecosystem.
The project has sparked protests, with students from the University of Hyderabad clashing with police in opposition. Reports indicate that two former students were arrested during the demonstrations.
