Restore forest near Hyderabad university or face contempt: SC

The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a stern warning to the Telangana government over the large-scale cutting of trees near the University of Hyderabad. The court directed the state to restore the damaged forest land or face contempt proceedings.

A bench led by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih expressed serious concern over the deforestation in the Kancha Gachibowli area. The judges noted that the tree felling appeared to be carefully planned and timed just before a long weekend when the courts were shut. The Chief Justice remarked that it seemed the state had taken advantage of the court's unavailability.

The court had taken suo motu (on its own) notice of the issue on April 3 and had ordered a status quo, permitting only protective actions to preserve the remaining trees. Despite this, the bench questioned why the state had not taken the required permissions and why the clearing work was carried out so urgently.

The judges pointed out that photographs from the site showed dozens of bulldozers being used. They observed that if the government’s intentions were genuine, the work could have started on a regular weekday instead of just before a holiday period.

According to the Forest Survey of India, satellite images confirmed that about 60% of the 104-acre area had been cleared. This information was submitted to the Central Empowered Committee (CEC).

During the hearing, an amicus curiae and several lawyers informed the court that the Telangana government had not yet submitted any plan for restoring the damaged forest. Instead, it continued to justify its actions.

Lawyers also appeared on behalf of student whistleblowers who had been booked by the police for trying to protect the forest. The court acknowledged their concerns but made it clear that its current focus was on illegal deforestation.

The matter remains under active consideration, with the court expected to monitor the state’s next steps closely.