"Can't employ bulldozers and destroy forests overnight", CJI Gavai on Kancha Gachibowli deforestation
The Chief Justice of India today expressed his dismay over the deforestation in the Kancha Gachibowli forest area saying that forest land cannot be destroyed overnight.
While hearing the suo motu case concerning clearing of dense forest in the Kancha Gachibowli forest area, the CJI today said, "I am an advocate of sustainable development, but that does not mean you employ bulldozers overnight and destroy forest land..".
The matter will now be taken up on August 13.
In May, the supreme court had come down heavily on the Telangana government over alleged large-scale deforestation in the Kancha Gachibowli forest area, warning of possible contempt proceedings and putting the State administration on notice.
Appearing for the State of Telangana, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi claimed that “everything has stopped” and that “nothing is happening” on the ground.
However, Senior Advocate K Parameshwar, relying on a Forest Services ground report, countered that over 60% of the cleared area was moderately to heavily dense forest, raising serious environmental concerns.
The CJI had posed a pointed query to the State: “Did you obtain environmental clearance? If not, we may initiate contempt. It’s better you take steps to restore the forest, otherwise, the Secretary will be held accountable.”
When another counsel had pointed out the lack of a restoration plan, the CJI had made another stern observation, "If you want the Chief Secretary and half a dozen officers sent to a temporary prison, we can certainly order that. We've always advocated sustainable development, but this is the felling of over 1,000 trees under the cover of a long break."
In April, the Supreme Court had directed the Telangana Wildlife Warden to take immediate steps of wildlife at Kancha Gachibowli forest.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had pulled up the Telangana government over its haste in initiating deforestation in the Kancha Gachibowli Forest. Taking note of a report by the High Court Registrar (Judicial) and accompanying photographs, the court had observed a disturbing picture of widespread tree-felling and heavy machinery operations over nearly 100 acres.
The Court had ordered that no activity—except for the protection of existing trees—shall be carried out by the State or any of its authorities until further notice "In case, we find that any of the directions issued by this court are not complied with in true letter and spirit, the Chief Secretary of the State of Telangana would be held personally responsible for the same and proceeded further against," the bench had warned. The Court had asked the Central Empowered Committee to personally visit the site in question and submit its report before April 16. It had also directed the Registrar (Judicial) of the High Court of Telangana to immediately go to the spot and submit his interim report by 03:30 p.m. on that day itself.
Case Title: In Re: Kancha Gachibowli Forest, State of Telangana
Hearing Date: July 23, 2025
Bench: CJI Gavai, Justices Vinod Chandran and Joymalya Bagchi