Supreme Court Takes Suo motu Cognizance of Kancha Gachibowli Deforestation, Orders Immediate Stop
The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of large-scale tree felling at Kancha Gachibowli in Telangana and ordered an immediate halt to all activities, except for those related to tree protection.
Hyderabad: The Supreme Court has taken Suo motu cognizance of large-scale tree felling at Kancha Gachibowli in Telangana and ordered an immediate halt to all activities, except for those related to tree protection. The court also directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to inspect the site and submit a report by April 16.
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Telangana Chief Secretary Held Accountable for Compliance
A bench comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih issued a stern warning, stating that Telangana’s Chief Secretary would be held personally responsible for any failure to comply with the court’s directive.
High Court Report Reveals Extensive Deforestation
The Supreme Court noted that the Registrar (Judicial) of Telangana High Court had visited the site and found large-scale development activities ongoing despite previous orders to protect the forest land.
“The report depicts an alarming picture – hundreds of trees have been felled, heavy machinery is in use, and land over 100 acres is being disturbed,” the court observed. Additionally, the presence of wildlife, including peacocks and deer, as well as a nearby lake, indicated that the area serves as both a wildlife habitat and a crucial catchment area.
SC Questions Telangana Govt’s Urgency in Development
The Supreme Court referred to its earlier order dated March 4, 2025, which required states to form expert committees under Rule 16(1) of the 1923 Rules within a month and complete assessments within six months. The court expressed concern over Telangana’s decision to commence large-scale development work just two days after forming its committee.
“It is difficult to appreciate the alarming urgency,” the court remarked, questioning the government’s haste in initiating construction.
Suo Motu Writ Petition Registered for Kancha Gachibowli Forest
The Supreme Court has formally registered the case as a suo motu writ petition titled Kancha Gachibowli Forest. The Telangana Chief Secretary has been directed to submit a detailed response explaining:
- The rationale behind the felling of trees
- Whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate was obtained
- Whether the necessary permissions from forest authorities were secured
Court Questions State Committee’s Composition
Further, the apex court raised concerns about the composition of the state-appointed committee, suggesting that some officials included had no expertise in forest identification. Additionally, the court sought clarification on the fate of the felled trees.
With the Supreme Court’s intervention, all eyes are now on the upcoming CEC report, which will determine the future course of action regarding the conservation of Kancha Gachibowli’s forest land.
