Read Time: 08 minutes

Synopsis

Reiterating its commitment to environmental protection, the Supreme Court of India on Tuesday, April 16, directed the Wildlife Warden of the State of Telangana to examine and take immediate steps to safeguard wildlife affected by deforestation in the Kancha Gachibowli Forest.

A division bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and Augustine George Masih ordered that no trees be felled in the 400-acre forest until the next hearing, which is scheduled for May 15.

"In pursuance of the second order dated April 3, 2025, the CEC has inspected the site and submitted its report. Dr. Singhvi submits that the CEC report is voluminous and the State would require time to respond. In the meantime, we direct the Wildlife Warden of the State of Telangana to examine and take immediate steps for the protection of wildlife affected by deforestation," the court ordered.

During the hearing, Senior Advocate K. Parameshwar, assisting as amicus curiae, told the court that the land in question had been mortgaged to a private party and that the Chief Secretary had failed to disclose this fact in the affidavit filed before the court. He added, "They are saying they will restore it. How is that even possible?"

Responding to this, Justice Gavai remarked, "We are not bothered about all that. We are only concerned with dozens of bulldozers being deployed in a 100-acre forest."

Observing that the court may expand the area under tree cover, Justice Gavai said, "We will widen the scope. Let there be green lungs in the city—like Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai, Guindy National Park in Chennai, and Jhalana in Jaipur."

On April 3, the top 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. The court 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.

According to the Registrar's report, “The shrubs, bushes; small, medium size tress are being felled for the past few days. Big boulders and rocks were removed with the help of machineries. Some peacocks, some deers and some birds are seen in the said area. A large number of small, medium size trees and some big trees are being destroyed. Nearly, 100 acres of the said area was destroyed. A lake is there beside the deforested area. Deers are seen beside the lake. Adjacent to the said deforested area, HCU (Hyderabad Central University) administrative building is located. Near the said administrative block of HCU, three (3) helipads are seen."

The court had noted the said the report revealed that a huge development activity was being undertaken on the said Kancha Gachibowli Forest area.

Following this, the court had directed the respondent-Chief Secretary, State of Telangana to answer the queries: 

(i) What was the compelling urgency to undertake the developmental activities, including removal of trees from the said alleged forest area. 

(ii) As to whether for such developmental activities, the State has obtained the Environmental Impact Assessment Certificate. 

(iii) As to whether for felling the trees, the requisite permission from the forest authorities or any other local statutes has been obtained or not.

Case Title: In Re: Kancha Gachibowli Forest, State of Telangana