The Supreme Court has stepped in to stop the felling of trees near the University of Hyderabad. It raised serious concerns about the environmental damage already caused in the area. The land in question lies next to the university campus, and large parts of it have been cleared.
A Bench of Justices BR Gavai and Augustine George Masih questioned the Telangana government’s haste. The court said it was shocked by videos showing animals fleeing the area. Justice Gavai remarked that the court would go out of its way to protect the environment and ecology.
The judges made it clear that no more trees are to be cut down for now. “In the meantime, not a single tree will be felled there,” the Bench said while listing the case for hearing on 15 May.
The top court took suo motu notice of the matter on 3 April. It called the tree felling in the Kancha Gachibowli forest “very serious.” It stayed any further activity until further orders.
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The court has also asked the Telangana government to explain why such urgent steps were taken to clear the area. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi appeared for the state. The Bench told him the state must come up with a plan to restore the 100-acre stretch already cleared.
Wildlife in the area has been affected. The court directed the state’s wildlife warden to take immediate steps to protect the animals. The judges stressed the need for action, not just words.
“For the protection of the environment and ecology, we will go out of the way,” Justice Gavai said again, underlining the court’s stand.
The land in question is a 400-acre parcel next to the university. The state government plans to develop the area. Students of the University of Hyderabad have been protesting against the project. They say the tree cover is essential for the campus and its surroundings.
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