SC Slams Telangana Government for “Pre-Planned” Deforestation
- 17 May 2025
On 16th May 2025, the Supreme Court strongly reprimanded the Telangana government over the large-scale felling of trees in the Kancha Gachibowli area of Hyderabad, calling it a “pre-planned” act and warning state officials of possible jail time if restoration efforts are not taken.
Key Points
- Suo Motu Case: The court took suo motu cognizance following the state’s clearing of 400 acres of forest near the University of Hyderabad to build IT parks, with at least 50 earthmovers used on 30th March, 2025.
- Chief Justice’s Warning: CJI criticized the timing of the deforestation during a long weekend, suggesting deliberate attempts to avoid scrutiny, and threatened imprisonment for involved officers if restoration is not done.
- Earlier Court Orders: On 3rd April, the court had already ordered the Telangana government to halt deforestation and directed the wildlife warden to protect affected wildlife. Contempt warnings were issued for non-compliance.
- Central Empowered Committee (CEC) Report: The CEC’s site inspection revealed 60% of the cleared land fell under moderately to heavily dense forest categories.
- State’s Response: Telangana’s counsel requested more time to respond to the CEC report and claimed all deforestation activities have stopped, but the court questioned the timing and environmental clearance of the project.
- Public Backdrop: The government’s auction of forest land sparked significant student protests in Hyderabad, escalating public scrutiny and judicial intervention.
