The Telangana government is considering legal action against Bollywood actress Dia Mirza and YouTuber Dhruv Rathee for allegedly spreading misinformation regarding the controversial development of the Kancha Gachibowli forest.
The issue gained traction after both celebrities shared AI-generated content critical of the ongoing project, fueling public unrest.
Legal Petition Filed For Spreading Misinformation
The Telangana government filed a petition in the High Court, requesting punitive measures against those accused of circulating misleading visuals. The controversy revolves around 400 acres of land in the Kancha Gachibowli area, which the state government asserts is within its legal jurisdiction.
The land is being developed to enhance IT infrastructure in the region, but critics argue it is causing environmental harm.
Officials from the state government claim that the AI-generated content has incited unnecessary public outrage, thereby obstructing essential development projects in the vicinity of the University of Hyderabad (UoH).
On April 5, 2025, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy directed state officials to take legal action. According to an official close to the CM, “The use of AI-generated visuals is misleading the public and disrupting crucial development work.” The government aims to address the manipulation of content that could negatively affect public perception and hinder progress.
Mirza & Rathee Respond To Allegations
Dia Mirza, who had posted footage of tree felling in the contested area, took to social media to challenge the accusations, questioning, “Are the trees fake too?” Her post further ignited discussions online, with many questioning the legitimacy of the government’s claims.
Dhruv Rathee also responded, releasing a video that highlighted what he described as severe environmental degradation in the region. Rathee has been vocal about the negative impact of the development on local ecosystems.
Satellite Imagery Fuels Debate
Environmental activists and opposition groups have circulated satellite images showing a decline in the region’s forest cover over the past 5 years. These visuals indicate substantial deforestation, but government representatives argue that the images are being misinterpreted. They claim the data may be combined with AI-generated content to stoke anti-government sentiment.
Court Involvement
Both the Telangana High Court and the Supreme Court are currently involved in petitions related to the matter. Protests led by students from the University of Hyderabad have intensified, with the group asserting that the land in question rightfully belongs to the university and should be preserved as a forest.
On April 3, 2025, the Supreme Court intervened, ordering an immediate halt to tree-felling activities in Rangareddy district, which includes the disputed land. The court emphasized the importance of addressing the environmental concerns raised by deforestation.
As the legal proceedings continue, the issue of developing the Kancha Gachibowli area remains at the forefront, with significant environmental and political ramifications.
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