SC halts tree felling in Kancha Gachibowli forest, orders urgent site inspection

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday intervened in an environmental dispute concerning the Kancha Gachibowli forest in Telangana, where 400 acres of land adjacent to the University of Hyderabad are slated for development. Amid protests from students and environmental activists, the court directed the state’s Chief Secretary to ensure that no further tree felling takes place.

A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih issued the directive after the matter was urgently mentioned before the court. “We direct the Chief Secretary of Telangana to ensure that until further order is passed by this court, no further felling of trees be permitted in the Kancha Gachibowli forest,” the bench stated.

Additionally, the Supreme Court ordered the Telangana High Court’s registrar (judicial) to visit the site and submit an interim report by 3:30 PM today. The bench clarified that it is not staying the proceedings before the Telangana High Court, which had earlier halted all development work on the land until April 3.

The controversy surrounding the 400-acre land parcel has intensified, with students of the University of Hyderabad leading protests against the Telangana government's plans for the site. Environmental activists argue that the area is a vital green space and should be preserved.

The Supreme Court is set to hear the case at 3:45pm on Thursday, with further developments expected regarding the fate of the forest land.