The Supreme Court of India took a firm stand on environmental conservation as it addressed the ongoing tree felling controversy near the University of Hyderabad. Expressing grave concern over the ecological damage, the court affirmed its commitment to go to significant lengths to safeguard the environment and ecology.
A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih heard the case against the Telangana government’s decision to clear trees on a 100-acre land parcel, part of a larger 400-acre development project adjacent to the university. The justices challenged the state’s hurried actions and demanded a comprehensive restoration plan.
Justice Gavai, visibly concerned, remarked on the disturbing visuals of wildlife scrambling for cover due to the deforestation activities. “You have to come up with a plan as to how you will restore those 100 acres,” Justice Masih directed Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi, who represented the state.
In a decisive move, the court ordered the wildlife warden of Telangana to take immediate measures to protect the area’s wildlife. Furthermore, the justices emphasized that the court would not hesitate to take extraordinary measures to ensure environmental protection. “For the protection of the environment and ecology, we will go out of the way,” Justice Gavai asserted.
The matter has been scheduled for the next hearing on May 15, with the court temporarily halting any further tree felling. “In the meantime, not a single tree will be felled,” the bench stated.
The controversy began when the Telangana government initiated a tree felling drive in the Kancha Gachibowli forest, leading to widespread protests from students and environmental activists. The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the issue on April 3, describing it as a “very serious” environmental concern.
