Our Terms & Conditions | Our Privacy Policy
‘Sustainable Development Important But…’: SC Raps Telangana Over Kancha Gachibowli Trees Felling | India News
Last Updated:July 23, 2025, 16:10 IST
The top court slammed Telangana for unplanned deforestation in Kancha Gachibowli, warning officers of jail time for ignoring restoration orders
Students of the University of Hyderabad celebrate after the Supreme Court halted the felling of trees in 400 acres of forested land in the Kancha Gachibowli area. (PTI file photo)
The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Telangana government for its rapid and unplanned clearing of forest land in Kancha Gachibowli earlier this year. The court was hearing a suo motu case taken up after around 400 acres of forest land were cleared without proper permissions.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, along with Justices Vinod Chandran and Joymalya Bagchi, expressed serious concern over the way the forest was destroyed.
The Chief Justice said, “I am an advocate of sustainable development. But that does not mean employ 30 bulldozers overnight and destroy all forest land.”
The court made it clear that development projects must not come at the cost of environmental damage. The CJI warned that officers responsible for ignoring restoration orders may face jail time if they fail to follow the court’s directions, Telangana Today reported
The case concerns deforestation in the Kancha Gachibowli area carried out by the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC). The trees were cleared to make way for IT infrastructure, reportedly over just one weekend. The action led to public outrage and prompted the Supreme Court to step in.
Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared for the Telangana government. He presented the State’s counter-affidavit, which listed the steps supposedly taken to protect the environment and restore the damaged area.
However, the court was not satisfied and gave more time for further responses. Senior Advocate K Parameshwar, appearing as amicus curiae (a friend of the court), said that private parties involved also wanted to reply to the State’s report. The court allowed this and set the next hearing for August 13.
Earlier, the Bench had asked the Telangana government to submit a status report on its actions. Although the government responded with a list of measures, the court found the deforestation unjustified and stressed that the principles of sustainable development cannot be used to cover up environmental harm.
News Desk
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
view comments
- First Published:
News india ‘Sustainable Development Important But…’: SC Raps Telangana Over Kancha Gachibowli Trees FellingDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.
Comments are closed.