Telangana High Court Slams Government Over Illegal Tree Felling Near University of Hyderabad, Issues Notices
(Judicial Quest News Network)
Hyderabad,4, April, 2025.The Telangana High Court has issued stern notices to state and central government officials over the alleged illegal clearing of trees and ground levelling activities on 400 acres of land adjoining the University of Hyderabad in Kanchi Gachibowli, despite clear court orders to halt such actions.
The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Renuka Yadav, directed top officials from various government departments to file counter-affidavits by Monday, responding to the public interest litigations (PILs) challenging the land allotment to Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC).
This 400-acre stretch of land, once a thriving ecosystem supporting diverse flora and fauna, is now the centre of controversy. Despite clear orders from the Telangana High Court to halt such activities, reports suggest that authorities have continued to fell trees and alter the land’s natural landscape. This blatant disregard for judicial directives raises serious questions about the commitment of the state government to environmental protection and sustainable development.
The environmental significance of this land cannot be overstated. It serves as a vital green lung for the city, providing critical ecosystem services such as air purification, carbon sequestration, and groundwater recharge. The area was home to a variety of wildlife, including peacocks, deer, and numerous bird species, along with rare plant species and ancient rock formations dating back over 2 billion years. The destruction not only threatens these species but also disrupts the delicate ecological balance that has existed for centuries.
The PILs, filed by student groups and environmental activists, raised concerns over the destruction of green cover and the environmental impact of proposed IT infrastructure projects on the sensitive land. Senior Counsel Niranjan Reddy, representing the petitioners, highlighted those authorities had continued to clear trees and level the ground even after the High Court’s interim order on Wednesday prohibiting such activities.
Adding to the outrage, it was revealed that a University of Hyderabad student was detained by Rajendra Nagar Police while attempting to record video evidence of the illegal tree felling and ongoing ground works. The student was reportedly trying to document the violations near the contested land.
In defence of the project, Senior Counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing virtually for the state government, argued that the infrastructure development would attract investments worth ₹50,000 crore and create 5 lakh jobs. He claimed that no objections were raised when similar land was sold or allotted to private entities over the past two decades, suggesting that the current protests were an attempt to obstruct the IT sector’s growth.
The hearing has been adjourned to Monday, with the court emphasizing the urgency of the matter and the need for immediate government responses. The case continues to attract significant attention, reflecting the growing tension between environmental conservation and rapid urban development.
