In a strong stance against environmental violations, the Supreme Court of India has issued a stern warning to Telangana government officials over the alleged illegal felling of trees in the Kancha Gachibowli area. The Court made it clear that non-compliance with environmental laws could result in imprisonment for responsible officials.
The matter was taken up suo motu by a Bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and A.G. Masih, following reports of unauthorized deforestation and damage to the local ecosystem.
⚖️ Court Seeks Accountability and Restoration
The Supreme Court has granted the Telangana government four weeks to file its official response to the findings of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), which investigated the environmental damage.
In addition, the Court directed the State’s Chief Wildlife Warden to submit a detailed report outlining the steps being taken to:
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Protect and rehabilitate displaced wildlife, and Prevent further ecological degradation in the affected area.
📅 Next Hearing Scheduled
The Bench scheduled the next hearing for May 15, 2025, emphasizing that the matter would be pursued with urgency and seriousness. The Court underlined the importance of restoring green cover and holding violators accountable, whether they are individuals or officials.
🌿 Why It Matters
Kancha Gachibowli, located in Hyderabad’s rapidly developing tech corridor, has seen increasing environmental stress due to urban expansion. Environmentalists and civil society groups have been raising alarms about unsanctioned tree cutting, which not only violates laws but also disrupts biodiversity.
The Supreme Court’s intervention signals a growing recognition of urban environmental protection as a constitutional priority, and a reminder that development cannot come at the cost of nature.
