Dispute Over Tree Removal: SC Committee Inspects Hyderabad University Land
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee has commenced its inspection of a 400-acre site near Hyderabad Central University following allegations of unlawful tree removal by authorities, prompting consultations with various stakeholders and a report submission to the Supreme Court by April 16.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court appointed CEC inspects land.
- Allegations of illegal tree removal.
- Meetings with officials and stakeholders planned.
- Security heightened due to student protests.
- Report to be submitted by April 16.
Hyderabad, April 10 (NationPress) The Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) commenced its inspection on Thursday of a 400-acre tract in Kancha Gachibowli adjacent to Hyderabad Central University, amid claims that authorities engaged in tree removal against environmental regulations.
The CEC plans to consult with officials, student organizations, NGOs, and other stakeholders during their two-day visit, ultimately submitting a report to the Supreme Court by April 16.
Led by Siddhant Das, the CEC includes members C.P. Goyal, Sunil Limaye, and J.R. Bhatt, who arrived in the city on Wednesday evening.
Senior officials accompanied the committee during their field assessment to gauge the current situation.
In anticipation of recent student protests against tree removal by the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC), police implemented extensive security measures on the Hyderabad Central University (HCU) campus and surrounding areas.
The access road to the East Campus was shut down to inhibit any gatherings.
The TGIIC has displayed signage at the 400-acre site, asserting it is property of the Telangana government.
The CEC is scheduled to meet with officials, including Chief Secretary Santhi Kumar, later today as part of its fact-finding mission. Inspections and discussions with various stakeholders will proceed on Friday.
Established in 2002 under the Supreme Court's directive, the empowered committee monitors compliance with the court's orders and addresses non-compliance cases related to encroachment removal, implementation of working plans, compensatory afforestation, and other conservation matters.
This inspection is being conducted following a Supreme Court directive that has halted tree felling and other operations by the TGIIC.
On April 3, the apex court expressed serious concern over the alleged destruction of significant green cover by the TGIIC, in breach of environmental standards.
A bench comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice A.G. Masih questioned Telangana Chief Secretary regarding the urgency for development activities, including tree clearing.
These comments emerged after the Registrar of the Telangana High Court inspected the land and reported back the same day.
The registrar noted in his report that approximately 100 acres had been cleared. The bench deemed the situation serious and inquired whether the necessary permissions had been obtained.
The court remarked that even if the area is not designated as forest land, the CEC's approval is required for tree removal. The court instructed the CEC to examine the site and provide a report by April 16.
The Supreme Court further requested the state government to file an affidavit and scheduled further hearings for April 16.
This matter was brought to the court's attention following an oral mention by senior advocate K. Parmeshwar, the amicus curiae in forest-related cases, regarding tree felling on the land.
The state government has already issued an order allocating the land to TGIIC for development and auctioning for IT park establishments. The government maintains that the area does not contain forest land.
