DELHI: The Supreme Court delivered a sharp rebuke to the Congress-led Telangana government on Wednesday over the unauthorised felling of trees in the contentious Kancha Gachibowli land case, issuing interim directions and expressing concern for environmental damage.
A Bench led by Justice B.R. Gavai questioned whether proper permissions had been obtained before cutting the trees, particularly invoking the Supreme Court’s 1996 environmental guidelines. Justice Gavai demanded a clear response and criticised the government’s justification that only “Jamail-type trees and shrubs” were removed. He warned against attempting to justify the felling of trees.
Observing the urgency with which trees were cleared during a long weekend, the Bench raised concerns over the timing and motive. Justice Gavai also pointed out that tree removal had led to incidents of dogs attacking wildlife in the area, videos of which were submitted, causing serious concern to the court.
Emphasising that environmental protection was non-negotiable, Justice Gavai warned that if necessary, the Court could order that not a single tree be cut in the entire 2,400-acre area. He added that violations of the apex court’s guidelines would not be tolerated.
The Court clarified that its concern was not with land mortgage issues, but solely with the tree felling. When state counsel argued that the region did not constitute forest land, the Bench countered that if such logic were extended, authorities might need to be jailed within the same area.
The Chief Secretary (CS) of the state also came under fire. The Court warned that officials, including the CS, could face imprisonment if tree felling had occurred without required permissions. “If you wish to shield the Chief Secretary, then explain how you plan to restore 100 acres,” Justice Gavai said, directing the state to file a detailed restoration plan within four weeks. The plan must outline timelines, strategies for ecological rehabilitation, and measures to preserve the local fauna.
The Bench imposed a status quo order until the next hearing, scheduled for 15 May.
