Can't destroy forests overnight with bulldozers: Supreme Court in Kancha Gachibowli case

The Supreme Court on Wednesday observed that while sustainable development is important, it does not mean that forests can be destroyed overnight with bulldozers [In Re: Kancha Gachibowli Forest, State of Telangana].

The Bench of the Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justices Vinod Chandran and Joymalya Bagchi was hearing a suo motu case initiated in the wake of large-scale felling of trees by the State in the forest area of Kancha Gachibowli.

"I am an advocate of sustainable development. But that does not mean employ 30 bulldozers overnight and destroy all forest land," remarked the Chief Justice of India (CJI) as today's hearing in the case drew to a close.

The Court had earlier warned the Telangana government of stern action if it fails to take steps to restore the lost forest cover. In a hearing that took place in May this year, the CJI had remarked,

"It is up to the State whether it wants to restore the forest or not. The entire issue was that the benefit of a long weekend was taken and thousands of trees were felled. Anyways, State has to decide whether to restore the forest or be prepared for its officers to be sent to jail."

The felling of trees took place at a 400-acre parcel of land in Kancha Gachibowli village.

This was undertaken by the Telangana government as part of a plan to auction the land through the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) to develop IT infrastructure.

However, the move is being protested on grounds that the land comprises forest land. Those opposing the plan are arguing that the area is an eco-sensitive zone which serves as the ‘lungs’ of Hyderabad city.

Among those who registered strong opposition to the move were students from the nearby University of Hyderabad, who clashed with the police amid attempts to raze large parts of the land.

On April 3, the Supreme Court took suo motu notice of the issue and passed an interim order staying further tree-felling.

It also asked the State to answer whether there was any compelling urgency to undertake the proposed developmental activity, including the removal of trees from the forest area.

The State was also asked to clarify whether requisite permission was obtained for felling the trees.

Moreover, the Bench directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) constituted to assist the Supreme Court in complex environmental matters, to personally visit the site and submit a report.

In an ensuing hearing that took place on April 16, the Court remarked that it would go out of its way to protect the environment and ecology, while ordering a blanket status quo on tree-felling at the 400-acre land.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared for the Telangana government. Senior Advocate K Parameshwar is the Amicus Curiae appointed to assist the Court.

[Live Coverage]