Supreme Court slams Telangana govt for felling trees near Hyderabad university

The Supreme Court has strongly criticised the Telangana government for the unauthorised deforestation of 100 acres of land near Hyderabad University. A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and AG Masih, while hearing the case related to the felling of trees, questioned the state’s actions and directed the government to restore the affected land, as per reports.

According to the court, the deforestation was carried out without proper authorisation, and if there were plans to build anything on the land, the state should have sought prior permission. The justices expressed concern over the manner in which the land was cleared, as per reports.

The court also reviewed video evidence showing animals running in panic due to the sudden destruction of their habitat. It reportedly observed that the sight of animals fleeing for shelter and stray dogs attacking wildlife was deeply distressing.

In response, the Supreme Court ordered the Telangana Wildlife Department warden to take immediate steps to safeguard the affected animals. It directed that urgent measures be implemented to ensure their safety and well-being, suggested reports.

The court has reportedly asked the state government to come up with a detailed plan for the restoration of the deforested land. It also issued a stern warning that failure to comply could lead to strict action, including jail time for the chief secretary and other senior officials.

Justice Gavai also criticised the government for carrying out the deforestation during holidays and completing the task in just three days. He questioned the urgency behind such immediate action and condemned the lack of due process, as per reports.