SC Halts Telangana Tree Felling, Demands Wildlife Protection
The Supreme Court of India has directed the Telangana government to stop all tree-felling activities in Kancha Gachibowli near Hyderabad, emphasizing the urgent need to restore ecological balance and protect the wildlife affected by unauthorized deforestation.
Court Demands Restoration and Wildlife Protection
A bench led by Justices B.R. Gavai and Augustine George Masih expressed serious concern over the clearing of nearly 100 acres of forest-like land without mandatory permissions or environmental impact assessments. The court made it clear that the land must be restored to its original state and that immediate steps must be taken to mitigate the environmental damage already done. The justices warned that failure to comply with the orders would lead to contempt proceedings against the responsible authorities.
Widespread Protests and Government Response
The felling of thousands of trees to make way for a proposed IT hub has triggered widespread public outrage. Environmental activists, students, and local residents, particularly from the University of Hyderabad community, have rallied against the destruction of green cover. The area holds significant biodiversity, including peacocks and wild boars, which are now threatened by habitat loss.
The Telangana government, through legal representation, admitted that the felling took place without following due process. Assuring the court of corrective measures, the state government has halted further work on the project and committed to submitting a detailed plan for restoration.
Future Action and Wildlife Safety Measures
The Supreme Court has also directed the state’s Wildlife Warden to urgently assess and implement safety measures for the displaced wildlife. The next hearing has been scheduled for May 15, by which time the court expects a full report on the steps taken to restore the ecosystem.
This strong intervention reinforces the judiciary’s role in environmental protection and signals that development cannot come at the cost of legal compliance and ecological destruction. The ruling is likely to set a precedent for other urban expansion projects that bypass critical environmental checks.
