New Delhi, August 13(HS): The Supreme Court of India has lauded the Telangana government’s assurance to formulate a holistic development blueprint for Kancha Gachibowli — the site of controversial large-scale tree felling — but made it clear that the razed forest must be restored.
Hearing a suo motu case triggered by the clearing of over 400 acres of forest land to pave the way for IT infrastructure, a Bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice Vinod Chandran was told by Senior Advocate AM Singhvi that all deforestation activities have been halted. Singhvi assured the Court that the State aims to integrate environmental safeguards for forests and lakes into its development framework.
While agreeing to grant six to eight weeks for Telangana to submit its plan, the CJI underscored that “the forest which has been destroyed has to be restored” and reiterated that development cannot come at the expense of ecological destruction.
The disputed site has been described as one of Hyderabad’s “green lungs” and is considered an eco-sensitive zone. The clearing had sparked public outrage, including student-led protests from the University of Hyderabad and clashes with police.
The Court, which earlier imposed a blanket stay on tree felling and directed the Central Empowered Committee to inspect the site, reiterated that while it is not against development, such progress must be sustainable and backed by mitigation and compensatory measures.
The matter will come up again in six weeks, when the State’s proposal will be reviewed. Failure to take effective restoration steps could invite stern judicial action.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar