SC Stop Tree Felling in Hyderabad’s Kancha Gachibowli, Says Will Go 'All Out' to Protect Environment

New Delhi. Taking a firm stance on environmental protection, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered a blanket status quo on tree felling in the 400-acre land parcel located in Hyderabad's Kancha Gachibowli, declaring it would go "all out of the way" to safeguard ecology and wildlife. The Court made it explicitly clear that no further trees should be felled in the area, emphasizing the importance of preserving Hyderabad’s rapidly vanishing green cover.

Judges Express Concern Over Telangana’s Deforestation Drive

A Bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih expressed deep concern over the deforestation drive initiated by the Telangana government and questioned the “tearing hurry” to clear the forested land. The bench was responding to disturbing visuals of animals fleeing the area due to the destruction of their habitat. "We will go out of the way to protect the environment and ecology," Justice Gavai said, adding, “May be we will widen it. Let there be green lungs in the city like in Mumbai’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park etc.”

Immediate Wildlife Protection Ordered

Acknowledging the ecological sensitivity of the area, the apex court directed the Telangana Wildlife Warden to examine and take immediate measures to protect displaced wildlife. "The State has to immediately examine how the wild animals can be protected. Let the State Wildlife Warden supervise this," the bench stated, noting that the area plays a vital role in maintaining the city’s biodiversity.

Background and Public Opposition

Controversial Land Auction Plan Raises Concerns

The case pertains to a 400-acre land parcel in Kancha Gachibowli village, which the state intends to auction through the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) to develop IT infrastructure. The land, however, is considered by many to be part of an eco-sensitive forest zone and has been referred to as one of the "lungs" of Hyderabad.

Protests Erupt as Students Lead the Charge

Strong public backlash has followed, with students from the University of Hyderabad located adjacent to the land at the forefront of protests. Clashes have occurred between protesters and police over the last several days, as machinery was moved in to clear the area.

Court Intervention and Upcoming Hearing

Suo Motu Cognisance Taken by Apex Court

On April 3, the Supreme Court had already taken suo motu cognisance of the issue, labeling it a “very serious” matter, and stayed any further activity pending an explanation from the Telangana government about the urgency of the operation.

Next Hearing Scheduled for May 15

The case will be next heard on May 15, with the apex court expected to assess both the ecological damage and the government's plan for restoration and wildlife rehabilitation.