In a significant development that has sparked environmental and political discussions across Telangana, the Supreme Court of India has issued a stay on the felling of trees in the Kancha Gachibowli forest area near the University of Hyderabad. This comes amid strong opposition from environmentalists, students, and concerned citizens over the large-scale deforestation activities allegedly planned for real estate and infrastructure development.
🚨 What Happened?
The apex court took suo motu cognizance of reports and petitions highlighting the rapid clearing of around 400 acres of green cover in the Kancha Gachibowli region. Despite a prior temporary stay by the Telangana High Court, satellite imagery and local reports indicated continued deforestation — triggering intervention at the national level.
A Supreme Court bench led by Justices B.R. Gavai and A.G. Masih has now:
- Ordered a complete halt to tree felling until further notice.
- Directed the Registrar General of the Telangana High Court to personally inspect the site and submit a report.
- Instructed the Chief Secretary of Telangana to ensure that no further environmental degradation takes place during the stay period.
🌳 Why Is Kancha Gachibowli Important?
Kancha Gachibowli is home to a rich ecological habitat, serving as a green lung for Hyderabad. With growing urban expansion, this forest patch has become a crucial natural buffer, supporting biodiversity and contributing to the city’s environmental health.
Environmental activists argue that the area must be declared an eco-sensitive zone, and any development in the region should align with sustainable and responsible planning practices.
🏗️ Political Impact: A Setback for the Revanth Reddy Government
This order poses a significant roadblock for the newly elected Revanth Reddy-led Congress government in Telangana. The government had reportedly included parts of the Kancha Gachibowli land in its development agenda, including the potential setup of IT parks and commercial hubs.
The SC stay has now put a hold on these plans, igniting debates over the balance between development and environmental preservation.
📢 Public Response
The move has been welcomed by environmental groups, university students, and Hyderabad locals, who have been protesting against the silent destruction of the forest. Many have taken to social media using hashtags like #SaveKanchaGachibowli and #HyderabadForestSOS, calling for long-term protection of the land.
Conclusion:
The Supreme Court’s intervention has once again highlighted the urgent need to prioritize ecological balance in the face of rapid urbanization. As Hyderabad continues to grow into a tech and infrastructure hub, decisions like this remind us that development must not come at the cost of nature.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds in court and on the ground.