New Delhi, Aug 13 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has instructed the Telangana government to reinstate the lost greenery of the Kancha Gachibowli region adjacent to the Hyderabad Central University.

A panel consisting of Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice Vinod Chandran has allotted a period of six weeks for the state to present a revised development strategy for a 400-acre tract that includes protective measures for forests, wildlife, and lakes.

This ruling stems from a suo motu case launched in April following significant tree removal in the vicinity of the university.

As the state confirmed that all tree-cutting activities have been suspended, the bench acknowledged this compliance while clarifying their stance; they support development but insist that it must be sustainable.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Telangana government, assured the court that all tree-cutting operations have ceased in line with prior directives.

The bench was informed that the government is considering the broader implications to prevent harm to its forests and lakes during development.

The state has indicated its intent to approach the situation comprehensively, aiming to harmonize environmental and wildlife interests with developmental goals.

Upon Singhvi's request for six to eight weeks to submit the proposal, the court granted this time, indicating that a solid proposal could lead to the withdrawal of proceedings against the state. However, they stressed the importance of restoring the damaged forest.

The bench further noted that during development efforts, environmental and wildlife interests must be safeguarded through appropriate mitigating and compensatory actions.

The Supreme Court had initiated these proceedings after taking serious note of the tree felling in the Kancha Gachibowli area.

The Telangana government had commenced tree removal as part of plans to auction the land through the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) for IT development.

Students from the nearby Hyderabad Central University and environmental activists protested against the deforestation occurring in this ecologically sensitive area, often referred to as the "lungs" of Hyderabad.

On April 3, the Supreme Court issued a temporary order halting any further tree felling and requested the state to clarify whether necessary permissions had been secured for this action.

The court then directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), which assists in intricate environmental matters, to visit the site personally and provide a report.

On April 16, the court expressed alarm over the extent of destruction in 100 acres, ordering a status quo on the land and emphasizing its commitment to environmental protection.

In May, the Supreme Court offered Telangana the choice of restoring the damaged forest or facing potential imprisonment for the Chief Secretary and several officials.

The court mandated the state to devise a plan for forest restoration.