Supreme Court Prolongs Halt on Deforestation near Hyderabad University
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court has extended its stay on tree cutting in Hyderabad's Kancha Gachibowli area for an additional month, mandating wildlife protection measures. Protests have erupted due to concerns over deforestation impacting university habitat and vital green spaces.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court extends stay on tree cutting.
- Wildlife protection measures mandated.
- Protests from students and activists.
- Land clearing initiated ahead of IT park development.
- Concerns raised over wildlife habitats.
New Delhi, April 16 (NationPress) The Supreme Court on Wednesday prolonged the suspension on tree removal across 400 acres in Kancha Gachibowli, Hyderabad, for an additional month. The court also instructed the Wildlife Warden of Telangana to implement measures to safeguard wildlife impacted by deforestation spanning 100 acres.
The bench, comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice A.G. Masih, rescheduled the next hearing for May 15 after senior counsel Abhishekh Manu Singhvi, representing the Telangana government, requested four weeks to address the report from the Central Empowered Committee (CEC).
The CEC conducted a site visit and submitted its findings per the Supreme Court's directive dated April 3.
While granting the state government additional time to review and respond to the CEC report, the bench mandated maintaining the status quo and emphasized that not a single tree should be cut in the area.
The court also instructed the Wildlife Warden to assess and implement immediate actions necessary to protect wildlife affected by the deforestation within the 100 acres.
Furthermore, it cautioned that if state government officials attempted to resist restoration efforts, they could face temporary imprisonment.
The Supreme Court had initially taken up the matter suo moto on April 3, halting further tree cutting.
Protests have arisen from students at Hyderabad Central University (HCU), environmental activists, and opposition parties after the authorities initiated land clearing near the university ahead of its auction by the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) for the establishment of IT parks.
Criticism from protestors has been directed toward the authorities for destroying a crucial lung space of the city and the habitat of various wildlife.
During Wednesday's hearing, the bench inquired whether the state government had acquired approval from the CEC for the tree felling.
It also questioned the state regarding the pressing necessity to proceed with development activities, including the removal of trees from this forested area.
The bench expressed astonishment upon seeing videos showing herbivorous animals fleeing to seek shelter, only to be attacked by stray dogs.
In directing the authorities to devise a restoration plan, the bench affirmed its commitment to go above and beyond to protect the environment.
When senior advocate K. Parameshwar, acting as amicus curiae, informed the court about how the land had been mortgaged to a private entity for Rs 10,000 crore and cited the CEC report, the bench reiterated its concern regarding the extensive tree felling conducted without permission.
The bench remarked that it was the state's decision regarding whether some officials would face temporary imprisonment. It urged the state to ensure wildlife protection.
