Telangana High Court Prolongs Tree Felling Ban Near HCU Until April 7
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Synopsis
The Telangana High Court has extended its order to stop tree felling on 400 acres near Hyderabad Central University until April 7, following concerns raised by students and environmental activists. The court is reviewing Public Interest Litigations against the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation's operations on the land.
Key Takeaways
- High Court extended stay on tree felling to April 7.
- Concerns raised by students and environmentalists.
- Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation ordered to halt operations.
- Supreme Court involved in ensuring compliance.
- Land is home to diverse wildlife and natural resources.
Hyderabad, April 3 (NationPress) The Telangana High Court on Thursday prolonged its directive to prevent the felling of trees across 400 acres in Kancha Gachibowli, adjacent to Hyderabad Central University (HCU), until April 7.
The High Court resumed proceedings on Public Interest Litigations (PILs) submitted by HCU students and the Vata Foundation.
Representing the state government, Advocate General Sudershan Reddy requested additional time to submit a response to the PILs.
The division bench, led by acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul, granted the government more time and postponed the hearing to April 7, while extending its interim order until the next session.
On Wednesday, the court instructed the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) to cease tree felling and other preparatory work until Thursday.
The petitioners raised alarms regarding the tree removal conducted by TGIIC using multiple bulldozers, demanding an immediate stop to the operations.
The Supreme Court also intervened on Thursday, issuing a stay on the activities and directing the Chief Secretary of Telangana to ensure that no trees are cut down until further notice.
A bench consisting of Justice B. R. Gavai and Justice A. G. Masih ordered the Registrar of the Telangana High Court to inspect the location and provide a report.
The interim order was established after senior advocate K. Parmeshwar, serving as amicus curiae in forestry matters, highlighted the issue of tree felling.
The tree felling and plans by the government to auction the land for IT park development have raised significant concerns among HCU students, faculty, and environmental advocates. Opposition parties have joined the outcry, accusing the government of harming biodiversity.
The state government claims the land is government property intended for IT park development to create job opportunities for the youth, asserting that there is no forest on the land.
During the PIL hearings on Wednesday, petitioners informed the court that a Government Order was issued last June, allocating 400 acres of government land to TGIIC. They argued that even if the land is owned by the government, the authorities must adhere to Supreme Court directives. The court was made aware that heavy machinery was being used to uproot trees and prepare the land.
The petitioners’ counsel stated that per the Supreme Court’s order, an expert committee must be formed to oversee the removal of trees from forested areas. If wildlife habitats need to be leveled, an expert committee must conduct a month-long study of the site.
The petitioners asserted that the land is home to three lakes, numerous rocks, and various species of animals and birds that require protection.
The court was informed that authorities were acting contrary to Supreme Court guidelines, leading to heightened tensions in the area over the past few days.
