Supreme Court Halts Tree Cutting Near Hyderabad University
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Synopsis
On April 3, 2023, the Supreme Court issued a temporary injunction against tree cutting on 400 acres in Kancha Gachibowli, close to Hyderabad Central University, directing authorities to maintain the status quo until further assessment.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court intervenes to stop tree felling.
- 400 acres in Kancha Gachibowli affected.
- Inspection ordered by Telangana High Court.
- Environmental concerns raised by Vata Foundation.
- Petitioners emphasize biodiversity value of the land.
New Delhi, April 3 (NationPress) The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a stay on the tree felling activities on 400 acres of land located in Kancha Gachibowli, adjacent to the Hyderabad Central University.
This interim order mandates the state Chief Secretary to ensure that no trees are cut until further notice.
A bench comprising Justice B. R. Gavai and Justice A. G. Masih instructed the Registrar of the Telangana High Court to carry out an inspection of the area and present a report by 3:30 p.m. on Thursday.
The interim order was issued following an oral mention from senior advocate K. Parmeshwar, who is the amicus curiae in forest-related cases, regarding tree felling in the area.
Further discussions are scheduled to occur after the report from the Registrar of the Telangana High Court is received later today.
The bench remarked that recent news articles illustrate significant deforestation in the Kancha Gachibowli forest. These reports indicate that authorities have been cutting down trees, taking advantage of the long holiday over the weekend. It acknowledged that the forest is home to eight types of scheduled animals.
On Wednesday, the Telangana High Court had already halted tree felling and any other activities on the land until Thursday.
This interim order was made while addressing the Public Interest Litigations presented by HCU students and the Vata Foundation.
While postponing the hearing to Thursday, the court instructed the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) to cease all work.
Vata Foundation, an NGO dedicated to environmental conservation, has sought to have the land designated as a deemed forest and requested that it be officially recognized as a national park under Section 35 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
The petitioners' legal counsel informed the court that the HCU campus possesses characteristics of biodiversity hotspots and is ecologically fragile, as acknowledged by the Supreme Court for granting deemed forest status in the Godavarman case.
The petitioners asserted that the government had issued an order last June, allocating 400 acres of governmental land to the TGIIC. They argued that even though it is government property, the relevant authorities must adhere to Supreme Court directives. The court was informed that heavy machinery was being employed to uproot trees and level the ground.
The petitioners' counsel argued that, according to the Supreme Court ruling, an expert committee must be formed to evaluate the necessity of tree removal from forested areas. If any land inhabited by wildlife is to be altered, an expert committee should study the site for a month.
The petitioners highlighted that the land comprises three lakes, numerous rocks, and a variety of animal and bird species that require protection. They contended that the authorities were acting in violation of Supreme Court guidelines, creating a tense atmosphere in the area in recent days.
