New Delhi: In the heart of Hyderabad, a pivotal conflict has unfolded, pitting the government’s development agenda against the urgent demands of environmental conservation. This row has drawn Prime Minister Narendra Modi into its fray, as he recently criticized the Congress for its role in tree felling in the city. The situation has been further complicated by the Supreme Court’s timely intervention, ordering an immediate halt to deforestation activities in the Kancha Gachibowli forest, adjacent to the Hyderabad Central University.
At the core of the controversy is the Telangana government’s plan to transform 400 acres of forest land into an IT park. On April 3, the Supreme Court stepped in, directing the cessation of all tree felling activities in the area. The High Court of Telangana’s registrar had previously submitted a damning report, detailing the extensive felling of trees in an area inhabited by deer, peacocks, and other wildlife. The court noted that large machinery had already ravaged approximately 100 acres of the forest.
The matter is slated to be revisited by the Supreme Court on April 16, with Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih presiding. The government asserts ownership of the land next to the university, but this claim is disputed by university stakeholders, who argue that the land belongs to the institution.
Protesters, including students, have vocally opposed the development plans, fearing the loss of the forest and its ecosystem. Their demonstrations turned confrontational, with protesters climbing atop bulldozers and clashing with police. While dozens were detained, they were later released without charges.
