Hyderabad: The Supreme Court on Wednesday adjourned the Kancha Gachibowli forest matter to August 13 after amicus curiae K Parameshwar sought additional time to study the Telangana government’s counter-affidavit on restoration efforts in the area.
The case pertains to alleged unauthorised clearing of 400 acres of forest land in Kancha Gachibowli, prompting the Apex Court to take suo motu cognisance.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justices Vinod Chandran and Joymalya Bagchi voiced concern over the nature of the deforestation. “I’m an advocate of sustainable development. But that does not mean employ 30 bulldozers overnight and destroy all forest land,” the CJI said, warning that development projects could not serve as a shield for ecological damage.
The court reiterated that environmental restoration must be enforced and warned that non-compliance could invite imprisonment for responsible officers.
The Telangana government, represented by Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, submitted its counter-affidavit detailing steps taken for environmental protection and recovery of the degraded area.
The amicus informed the court that private parties who had intervened in the case also intended to respond to the government’s submissions. The Bench agreed to allow time for those filings and re-listed the case for August 13.
