The Supreme Court will take up a significant environmental matter on April 16, questioning the Telangana government’s decision to clear a large area of forested land adjacent to the University of Hyderabad.
The court has sought a clear explanation for the “compelling urgency” behind the move.
Emergency Stay On Deforestation Activities
On April 3, the top court intervened after noticing reports of widespread deforestation in the Kancha Gachibowli region. Exercising its suo motu powers, the court ordered a halt to all activities on the site, with one exception — the protection of existing trees.
“Until further orders, no activity of any sort, except the protection of the trees already existing there, shall be undertaken by the state or any authority,” the bench stated in its interim directive.
The upcoming hearing will be presided over by Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih.
Report Reveals Serious Environmental Damage
The court’s intervention followed a submission from senior advocate K Parameshwar, who is assisting as amicus curiae in forest-related cases. The bench examined an interim report filed by the Telangana High Court’s registrar (judicial), which highlighted the extensive destruction of vegetation in the area.
“The report of the registrar (judicial) of the High Court of Telangana as well as photographs sent by him depict an alarming picture. Huge number of trees are being felled and apart from that, huge machinery is being deployed which has already destroyed an area of around 100 acres,” the order noted.
The report also confirmed sightings of local wildlife, including peacocks, deer, and various bird species. The court concluded, “These are, prima facie, indication that there existed a forest inhabited by the wild animals.”
Key Environmental Clearances
The bench directed the Telangana Chief Secretary to submit detailed responses to several questions. These include whether the government secured an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate and obtained proper permissions from forest and local authorities before starting any development.
To further investigate, the court also asked the Central Empowered Committee to conduct an on-site inspection and submit a report by April 16.
Public Protests & Environmental Outcry
Meanwhile, the land clearing has triggered protests by students of the University of Hyderabad. The 400-acre site borders their campus and has become a flashpoint for environmental concerns.
Student groups and environmental activists have strongly opposed the proposed development, warning of irreversible ecological damage.
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