The Supreme Court on Thursday strongly reprimanded the Telangana government over the large-scale felling of trees adjacent to the University of Hyderabad, warning that failure to restore the forest could lead to imprisonment of state officials.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih noted that the deforestation, carried out in the Kancha Gachibowli Forest, appeared to be “pre-planned” and strategically timed to coincide with a long weekend when courts were unavailable. “Prime facie, it appears that it was all pre-planned. Three days holidays coming and you took advantage as court would not be available,” remarked the CJI.
The apex court had taken suo motu cognisance of the matter on April 3 and ordered a status quo, allowing only protective measures for the remaining trees. The bench sternly questioned the absence of prior permissions and the hurried nature of the deforestation work.
“Photographs show dozens of bulldozers deployed. If you had bonafide intentions, why did you not start on a Monday? Why only at the beginning of a long weekend?” the bench asked.
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing the Telangana government, submitted that no activity was currently being carried out and assured the court of full compliance with its directions. He added that the state would attempt to balance ecological protection with development needs.
However, the bench was unconvinced. “If you want to be saved from contempt, better take a decision to restore the forest,” it said, warning that the state’s chief secretary and other officials could face imprisonment if found complicit. “You should not have indulged into this.”
The Forest Survey of India had reported to the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) that satellite imagery showed about 60% of the 104-acre deforested area as moderately to heavily dense forest.
An amicus curiae and other advocates informed the court that the state had not yet submitted a restoration plan and continued to defend its actions, hinting at ongoing plans for IT infrastructure construction on the land. The court reiterated that restoration must be prioritised, particularly during the upcoming monsoon period.
The matter also witnessed intervention from advocates representing whistleblower students facing FIRs for their efforts to protect the forest. However, the bench clarified its current focus: “We are here concerned only with the protection of forest. Don’t enlarge the scope.”
The Supreme Court has posted the matter for further hearing on July 23, directing the Telangana government to come up with a specific restoration plan if it wishes to avoid “severe action” against its officials.
