SC stays tree felling at Kancha Gachibowli; asks Telangana HC Registrar to inspect site
Two PIL petitions were filed questioning the allotment of 400 acres land in Kancha Gachibowli
By Newsmeter Network
Hyderabad: Telangana government suffered a major setback after Supreme Court passed an interim order staying the tree cutting in Kancha Gachibowli forest area near the Hyderabad Central University campus.
A bench comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih passed the order after an oral mention was made by Senior Advocate K Paremeshwar in the Kancha Gachibowli case.
The bench directed the Registrar of the Telangana High Court to inspect the site and submit a report today by 3.30 PM. The Court will hear the matter today at 3.45 PM.
Over the last three days, more than 40 JCBs were deployed to clear the area, disturbing the habitat. Following this, University of Hyderabad Students Union members went on a protest against the development and some of them were arrested too.
The bench observed that: "Newspapers depict that vast deforestation is being undertaken in the Kancha Gachibowli forest. It shows that a large number of trees are being felled. The news items show that taking advantage of long holidays over the weekend, the authorities have rushed to felling the trees. It is further reported that the forest area is home to 8 types of scheduled animals. We direct the Registrar (Judicial) of Telangana HC to forthwith visit the site in question and submit his interim report by 3.30 PM today.
On Wednesday, the Telangana High Court asked the State government to pause the clearing of green cover on the 400 acres at Kancha Gachibowli till April 3, and scheduled the hearing for today, 2 PM.
Two PIL petitions were filed questioning the allotment of 400 acres to the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Limited (TGIIC) and seeking a direction to stay excavations and uprooting of trees in the said land at Kancha Gachibowli.
Kancha Gachibowli, one of the few remaining urban forests in Hyderabad hosts a wide range of birds and animals. There are approximately 237 species of birds on the campus. Itās one among the few urban forest areas that houses Spotted Deer, Wild Boars, Star Tortoises and numerous snake species such as Indian Rock Python, Vipers, Cobras, Boas and Kraits.
The Telangana government claimed that the 400 acres belonged to the State government. The government intends to develop world-class infrastructure in this government land through the TGIIC. It is preparing to invite tenders for the integrated development of this land.
Inputs from Live Law.
