Telangana HC Halts Tree Felling Near HCU Again – Next Hearing on April 7!
The Telangana High Court has extended its order halting the felling of trees on 400 acres near Hyderabad Central University (HCU) in Kancha Gachibowli till April 7.
The Telangana High Court has extended its order halting the felling of trees on 400 acres near Hyderabad Central University (HCU) in Kancha Gachibowli till April 7. The decision was made during the hearing of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed by HCU students and environmental activists from Vata Foundation.
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Telangana Government Seeks More Time for Response
During the hearing, Advocate General Sudershan Reddy, representing the state government, requested more time to file a counter to the PILs. A division bench, led by acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul, granted the request and scheduled the next hearing for April 7 while extending the stay order.
Also Read: Major Relief for KCR as Case Dismissed
Supreme Court Also Stays Tree Cutting
In a parallel development, the Supreme Court of India also issued a stay on tree felling in the area. A bench led by Justice B. R. Gavai and Justice A. G. Masih ordered the Telangana Chief Secretary to ensure that no trees are cut until further notice. The court also directed the Registrar of the Telangana High Court to inspect the site and submit a report.
Concerns Over Biodiversity and Development Plans
The controversy erupted after Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) started clearing the land, reportedly to develop IT parks. The petitioners argued that the land, home to three lakes, diverse wildlife, and numerous trees, must be protected. Environmentalists, opposition parties, and HCU faculty members have expressed concerns about the destruction of biodiversity.
The state government, however, maintains that the land belongs to the government and is being utilized for IT development to generate employment opportunities.
Next Steps: Court to Review Case on April 7
The Telangana High Court will reassess the case in the next hearing, while authorities remain under strict orders not to continue with the tree felling. With growing public outcry, environmental concerns, and legal interventions, the fate of the Kancha Gachibowli land remains uncertain.
