Supreme Court Sounds Alarm Over Widespread Destruction in Kancha Gachibowli Forest Area
(Judicial Quest News Network)
New Delhi 4, April, 2025.In a stern warning to the Telangana government, the Supreme Court on Thursday expressed deep concern over the large-scale destruction of the 100-acre Kancha Gachibowli Forest area. The apex court directed the Telangana Chief Secretary to explain the agency responsible for the aggressive clearing of trees using heavy machinery and excavation equipment under the guise of developmental activities.
A bench led by Justice B.R. Gavai and A.G. Masi effectively halted any further work on the land, declaring that the Chief Secretary would be held personally accountable if any activities beyond the protection of the remaining trees were undertaken. The court even humorously remarked that the Chief Secretary might face imprisonment at a temporary facility constructed on the same site.
The Supreme Court has instructed the Telangana High Court Registrar to visit the site of destruction and submit an interim report, including photographs, by 3:30 p.m. on March 3.
During the proceedings, Senior Advocate A.M. Singhvi, representing the state, denied that the land was classified as a forest, claiming it was designated as industrial land after being allotted to the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation. However, the court pointed out clear evidence of wildlife, including peacocks, deer, and various bird species, indicating the land’s status as a natural habitat.
Post-lunch, the bench noted that the extensive deployment of heavy machinery and the removal of numerous trees had devastated the area’s biodiversity, which previously supported diverse fauna and flora. Justice Gavai emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “100 acres is like Corbett National Park. Such large-scale destruction in just 2-3 days is unacceptable. No one, regardless of their position, is above the law.”
The Supreme Court reiterated its March 2025 order, which prohibits activities that deplete forest cover across the country. The court had previously warned that state chief secretaries and union territory administrators would be held personally liable if they failed to form expert committees to identify and protect forest lands within their jurisdictions.
The Telangana government was ordered to provide a detailed affidavit by April 16, addressing whether environmental impact assessments were conducted before the developmental activities began, and if necessary, permissions were obtained from the forest authorities.
This case gained momentum following a swift intervention by the Telangana High Court, which had recently ordered a halt to the activities in question. The petition was filed by conservationists and students from Hyderabad University, who argued that the Kancha Gachibowli area qualifies as forest land under the Forest Conservation Act. They described it as the “lung of the city,” vital for maintaining ecological balance amid rising pollution and urban sprawl.
The destruction has sparked widespread outrage, with petitioners highlighting the area’s rich biodiversity, including rare plant species, ancient rock formations dating back 2 billion years, and its role as a critical catchment area for reservoirs supplying drinking water to Hyderabad.
