New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday sharply criticised the Telangana government over the large-scale felling of trees on land adjacent to the University of Hyderabad, expressing deep concern over the environmental damage and directing immediate remedial steps.
Taking up a suo motu case related to deforestation in the Kancha Gachibowli area, a bench of Justices BR Gavai and AG Masih questioned how such a vast green cover—spread across 100 acres—was cleared without seeking prior approval from the appropriate authorities. “We are only concerned about how so many trees were cut without permission,” the bench remarked.
The top court, in a scathing tone, suggested temporary prisons could be built on the cleared land for the officers responsible so that they could “enjoy” the site, underscoring the seriousness of the transgression.
The bench also referred to widely circulated videos on social media which allegedly showed bulldozers razing hundreds of trees in the green belt. “Surprised to see videos where animals are running for shelter,” the court noted, adding, “We are concerned with the damage done to environment.”
Slamming the Congress-led state government for acting in a “tearing hurry” without requisite permissions, the court observed that the administration should have obtained proper clearance before initiating any construction work on the ecologically sensitive land.
In response, senior advocate AM Singhvi informed the bench that all tree-felling and construction activity had since been halted. However, Justice Gavai warned, “If you want the Chief Secretary to be spared from severe action, you need to present a plan for how you intend to restore those hundred acres.”
Additionally, the apex court ordered that the state’s wildlife warden be sent to assess the damage on-site and implement protective measures for wildlife affected by the deforestation.
Earlier, on April 3, the Supreme Court had passed an interim order restraining any further activity on the disputed land—barring actions required to preserve the remaining trees. The matter came to the court’s attention after senior advocate K Parameshwar, acting as amicus curiae in forest-related cases, flagged the issue.
