The Supreme Court on Thursday took note of the ongoing deforestation at Kancha Gachibowli in Hyderabad and directed the Telangana government to ensure that no further felling of trees takes place at the site..Pertinently, the Bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih asked the Telangana High Court Registrar (Judicial) to forthwith visit the site and submit an interim status report to the top court by 3:30 pm today."We further direct the Chief Secretary of the State of Telangana to ensure that, until further orders are passed by this Court, no tree felling shall be permitted in the Kancha Gachibowli forest area," the Court ordered while listing the matter for hearing at 3:45 pm..The Court took note of the issue after Senior Advocate K Parameshwar, who is amicus curiae in TN Godavarman matter, informed it about the news reports showing tree felling at the forest area. "The news items shows that the authorities, taking advantage of long holidays over the weekend, have rushed through in felling the trees. Additionally, the forest is said to be home to eight species of scheduled animals," the Court noted in the order..The case concerns a 400-acre parcel of land in Kancha Gachibowli village, which the State proposes to auction through the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Ltd., Hyderabad (TGIIC) to develop IT infrastructure.However, the move is being protested by some 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 have clashed with the police over the last few days amid attempts to raze large parts of the land. According to reports, two former students were arrested as well..Pertinently, Telangana High Court is also seized of the petitions challenging the tree felling. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi will appear in the matter."We clarify that we are not staying the proceedings before the High Court of Telangana," the top court said.[Read Order]
