Supreme Court Orders Halt to Tree Cutting Near Hyderabad University
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court has ordered the Telangana government to halt tree felling on 400 acres at Kancha Gachibowli near Hyderabad Central University, pending further review. This decision comes after concerns raised about unauthorized development activities on the site.
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court mandated an immediate stop to tree cutting.
- Telangana government must provide necessary permissions for land development.
- Students celebrated the Supreme Court's ruling on the HCU campus.
- The CEC is to inspect the site and report back by April 16.
- A stay on tree cutting was initially issued by the Telangana High Court.
New Delhi/Hyderabad, April 3 (NationPress) The Supreme Court expressed grave concern over the ongoing tree felling on a 400-acre plot at Kancha Gachibowli adjacent to Hyderabad Central University. It mandated the Telangana government to suspend all developmental activities on the site until further notice.
A panel comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice A.G. Masih inquired why there was an urgent need for development, particularly regarding the removal of trees.
This hearing followed a report submitted by the Registrar of the Telangana High Court after an earlier order was issued in the morning.
The registrar's report indicated that approximately 100 acres had already been cleared. The bench expressed that this was a significant issue and questioned whether the necessary permissions had been obtained.
"You cannot take the law into your own hands," the bench reprimanded the state government.
The court noted that even if the land is not classified as forested, the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) must grant approval for tree removal. The CEC was instructed to visit the area and provide a report by April 16.
The court also required the state government to submit an affidavit and scheduled the next hearing for April 16.
Earlier, the Supreme Court ordered an immediate cessation of tree cutting. The bench directed the Registrar of the Telangana High Court to inspect the area and report back by 3:30 p.m.
This interim order was issued after senior advocate K. Parmeshwar, acting as amicus curiae in forest matters, raised concerns about the tree felling.
In response, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka affirmed that the state government would comply with the Supreme Court's ruling, expressing trust in the judiciary and ensuring all requested information would be provided.
The atmosphere on the HCU campus transformed into a celebration as students rejoiced over the Supreme Court decision. Students who had been protesting against the tree cutting and the government's land auction proposal were seen singing and dancing to drumbeats, celebrating the apex court's ruling.
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court for its involvement in the Kancha Gachibowli matter.
"This is a triumph for the youth of the University of Hyderabad, whose inspiring and persistent efforts have led to this favorable judgment. Thanks to all the activists, celebrities, environmentalists, as well as friends from the media and social media who supported this righteous cause," Rama Rao shared on ‘X’.
The Telangana High Court had previously issued a stay on tree cutting and other activities on the land until Thursday.
This stay was in response to Public Interest Litigations filed by HCU students and the Vata Foundation.
During the resumed hearing on Thursday, the High Court extended the stay order until April 7.
