SC orders Telangana to reforest 400 acres in Kancha Gachibowli
text_fields
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Telangana government to restore the green cover of the Kancha Gachibowli area near Hyderabad Central University. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice Vinod Chandran gave the state six weeks to submit a revised development plan for the 400-acre land, ensuring safeguards for forests, wildlife, and lakes.
The apex court was hearing a suo motu case initiated in April following large-scale tree felling in the area. The Telangana government informed the court that all tree-cutting activities have been halted, a move appreciated by the bench, which stressed that it supports development but only if it is sustainable.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the state, requested six to eight weeks to present a comprehensive proposal balancing environmental and wildlife protection with development. The Chief Justice agreed, stating that a satisfactory plan could lead to withdrawal of proceedings against the state, while emphasizing that the destroyed forest must be restored.
The court also highlighted that development activities must include mitigating and compensatory measures to protect the environment and wildlife.
The suo motu proceedings were initiated after students of Hyderabad Central University and green activists protested against deforestation in the eco-sensitive zone, which serves as the "lungs" of Hyderabad. In April, the court had issued an interim order staying further tree-felling and sought clarification on whether the necessary permissions were obtained. The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) was directed to visit the site and submit a report.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had observed that the destruction over 100 acres was alarming and ordered a status quo, warning that it would take all necessary steps to protect the environment. In May, it gave Telangana a choice between restoring the forest or facing potential imprisonment for its Chief Secretary and several officials. The state was also ordered to prepare a restoration plan for the damaged forest.
With IANS inputs