Says the Chief Secretary of Telangana would be held personally liable for non-compliance of directives

Kancha Gachibowli saga

■ 2004: The land was allotted to IMG Academies Bharata Pvt Ltd in the month of January

■ 2006: Since the project did not take off, land allotment was revoked

■ 2024: Government regains land

■ 2024 May: The Supreme Court rules in favour of the Government

■ 2024 July: The land is handed over to Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Limited

mahesh avadutha I hyderabad

In a major set-back to the Telangana Government, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday took strong exception to the large-scale felling of trees in Kancha Gachibowli ordering an immediate halt to all activities in the area. A bench comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice A.G. Masih issued stringent directives to the State of Telangana, emphasizing environmental conservation. This significant development sparked celebrations by student unions both inside the campus and at the university entrance.

In an interim order, the Court has barred any further removal of trees and stated, "Until further orders, no activity of any sort, except the protection of trees already existing, shall be undertaken by the State." The Court also warned that failure to comply with its directives would result in the Chief Secretary of Telangana being held personally liable.

The Supreme Court has directed the Chief Secretary of Telangana to submit a detailed affidavit addressing several critical concerns regarding the large-scale tree felling in Kancha Gachibowli. The Court has sought clarification on the urgent necessity behind the developmental activities, including the removal of trees, and whether the State had obtained the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certification before proceeding.

Additionally, the affidavit must confirm whether the requisite permissions from forest authorities or other statutory bodies were secured. The Court has also questioned the rationale behind appointing specific officers to a committee that appears to lack jurisdiction over forest identification.

Furthermore, the State must disclose what is being done with the felled trees, ensuring transparency and accountability in the matter. Earlier in the day, the bench had passed an interim order staying tree felling in the area and directed the Registrar (Judicial) of Telangana High Court to inspect the site and submit a report today by 3:30 PM.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court reviewed a report submitted by the Registrar (Judicial) of the Telangana High Court, which revealed extensive tree cutting across hundreds of acres, using heavy machinery. The report included visuals of peacocks and deer fleeing the affected area, suggesting the existence of a forest ecosystem. Expressing dismay, the Court noted that Telangana had only recently constituted its statutory committee for forest land identification and questioned the urgency behind the mass tree felling before the process had even begun.

While the State contended that the land is designated for industrial use, petitioners argued that the government violated prior Supreme Court rulings mandating forest identification and environmental clearances before any deforestation.

Stressing that no one is above the law, Justice Gavai remarked, "Forest or not, did you obtain permission for cutting trees? 100 acres in 2-3 days is alarming." Further hearings on the matter will continue as the Court examines compliance with environmental and legal mandates.

BRS cautions real estate developers

BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao has issued a strong warning to potential investors and real estate developers, cautioning them against participating in the Congress government's planned auction of 400 acres of land in Kancha Gachibowli. KTR asserted that the BRS party would return to power in the next three years and reclaim the land. Kancha Gachibowli will be transformed into a largest Eco-park in Telangana for the students of the university and people of Hyderabad.

Telangana HC adjourns Kancha Gachibowli hearing to April 7

The Telangana High Court deferred the hearing on a 400-acre land dispute near UoH to April 7, after the Supreme Court barred tree felling in Kancha Gachibowli. The state expects Rs 50,000 crore in investments and five lakh jobs from IT development, but faces protests from UoH students and opposition from BJP and BRS. The HC also sought a response on police detaining a student for taking photos at the disputed site.