“Over 1,000 Trees Felled”: Supreme Court Slams Telangana Govt Over Deforestation In Kancha Gachibowli
The Supreme Court on Thursday came 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.
The Bench of Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih was hearing a suo motu case concerning the clearing of dense forest land in the region.
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 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.”
Singhvi submitted that the government had already undertaken large-scale plantation and reforestation efforts.
Parameshwar, however, clarified that “plantation is not being carried out in the same area that was cleared.”
Seeking time, Dr. Singhvi requested the matter be listed after the court vacation, proposing a date in mid-July.
But the CJI expressed strong disapproval, "You're trying to defend this? You took advantage of a long weekend to carry out such activities? Dr. Singhvi, have you seen the photographs? A dozen bulldozers were used. Prima facie, this appears to be pre-planned.”
The Court questioned the timing of the activity, remarking, “If your intentions were bona fide, why begin this on a Monday right after a long vacation?”
When another counsel pointed out the lack of a restoration plan, the CJI made a 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."
The Court has listed the matter for hearing on July 23, and directed the State to take clear steps toward restoration, while cautioning that further inaction may invite serious consequences.
Previously
It is to be noted that in April, the Supreme Court had directed the Telangana Wildlife Warden to take immediate steps of wildlife at Kancha Gachibowli forest.
"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 had ordered.
On April 3, 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.
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