The Supreme Court of India slams the Telangana government for pre-planned deforestation in Kancha Gachibowli, threatens contempt action, and demands forest restoration. Read the full details of the case, background, and legal implications.

Supreme Court Rebukes Telangana Government Over Kancha Gachibowli Deforestation

In a stern warning, the Supreme Court of India has accused the Telangana government of orchestrating a “pre-planned” deforestation operation in the Kancha Gachibowli region. The court condemned the overnight felling of over 1,000 trees and warned that failure to restore the forest could result in contempt charges and possible interim detention for state officials.

Judicial Scrutiny and the Role of the Bench

A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and AG Masih emphasized the urgent need to restore the status quo and safeguard the affected ecosystem. The court previously directed the State’s forest warden to take immediate action and review the CEC (Central Empowered Committee) spot inspection report.

Senior Advocate AM Singhvi, appearing for the State, stated that although the counter-affidavit had been submitted, they had only received the CEC report hours before the hearing. He assured the court that all tree felling had ceased.

Forest Density and Allegations of Pre-Planning

Amicus Curiae, Senior Advocate K Parameshwar, pointed out that the CEC’s findings revealed that over 60% of the impacted land was either moderately or heavily forested. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) questioned the timing of the deforestation, which began during a long weekend, hinting at a deliberate attempt to evade oversight.

The CJI criticized the use of heavy machinery and questioned the environmental clearance process, saying, “Were you cleared by the environment?” He added that unless the forest was restored, top officials, including the Chief Secretary, could face imprisonment.

Plans for IT Infrastructure Amid Legal Backlash

The State’s justification for the clearance—constructing an IT facility—lacked a restoration plan, leading to further criticism. The CJI emphasized that while sustainable development is supported, blatant misuse of judicial holidays for environmental destruction is unacceptable.

Whistleblowers and Student Arrests Near Hyderabad University

An interim application revealed that over 200 students from nearby Hyderabad University faced criminal charges for whistleblowing. Three FIRs have been filed, and some students remain in custody during exams. A nearby school was reportedly demolished during the deforestation operation.

Although the Suo Motu notice focuses solely on forest preservation, the bench allowed whistleblowers to seek redress in the High Court.

Background: TSIIC and Land Alienation for Industrial Use

The controversy stems from a government order issued by the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC), seeking to alienate 400 acres of forested land in Kancha Gachibowli to build IT infrastructure. The order was enacted in 2024, though the land had been acquired in 2012.

The deforestation triggered public protests and legal challenges. The Telangana High Court temporarily halted the tree cutting on April 2, pending Supreme Court deliberation.

Violation of Landmark Supreme Court Judgments

The petitioners argue that the State’s actions violate landmark rulings in T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India and Ashok Kumar Sharma v. Union of India, which mandate state-level forest identification based on dictionary definitions. The absence of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as per the 2006 notification further intensifies the controversy.

While the State defends its position, citing industrial land classification and reliance on Google imagery, activists and legal experts argue that due environmental procedures were bypassed.

Next Steps in the Supreme Court Hearing

The hearing is scheduled to resume on July 23, where the State will be expected to submit a detailed response and restoration plan. Until then, the spotlight remains on the Telangana government’s controversial land-clearing operation and the judiciary’s stand on environmental justice.

Conclusion: A Critical Moment for Environmental Governance in Telangana

The ongoing legal battle over the deforestation of the Kancha Gachibowli forest represents a pivotal test for India’s environmental governance and judicial oversight. With the Supreme Court taking a firm stance against what it calls a “pre-planned” environmental violation, the spotlight is now on the Telangana government to provide transparency, accountability, and a credible forest restoration plan.

This case also highlights broader concerns around urban development, ecological sustainability, and adherence to established environmental laws like the EIA Notification 2006. As public interest litigation and whistleblower efforts continue to challenge administrative decisions, the verdict in this matter could set a significant precedent for future environmental disputes across India.