Supreme Court adjourns hearing to August 13, warns of jail for officials flouting environmental norms
The Supreme Court on Wednesday sharply rebuked the Telangana government for allegedly clearing 400 acres of forest land in Kancha Gachibowli without proper authorization, cautioning that development cannot be pursued at the cost of environmental devastation. The hearing was adjourned to August 13 after the amicus curiae requested more time to review the State’s latest submissions.
SC Slams Telangana Over Forest Destruction in Kancha Gachibowli, Warns Against ‘Bulldozer Development’
Court’s Stern Warning
The case, a suo motu petition initiated by the Apex Court, stems from reports of overnight tree felling and unauthorized clearance of forested land in the rapidly urbanizing Gachibowli region on Hyderabad’s outskirts.
Chief Justice of India B. R. Gavai, leading the Bench alongside Justices Vinod Chandran and Joymalya Bagchi, expressed dismay over the alleged overnight deployment of bulldozers to raze forest land.
“I’m an advocate of sustainable development. But that does not mean employ 30 bulldozers overnight and destroy all forest land,” the CJI said, making it clear that environmental degradation under the garb of development would not be tolerated.
The Court indicated that officers found responsible for flouting environmental directives and restoration norms could face imprisonment.
Affidavits and Counterclaims
Senior Advocate K. Parameshwar, appearing as amicus curiae, sought more time to evaluate the Telangana government’s counter-affidavit, which details environmental restoration measures allegedly undertaken after the felling incident. He also informed the Court that private intervenors intend to file responses to the State’s claims.
Appearing for the State, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi submitted that the government had begun restoration efforts and had complied with earlier court directives.
However, the Bench remained unconvinced, hinting that the measures may not be commensurate with the scale of environmental loss and procedural violations.
Background and Implications
The controversy erupted after reports surfaced alleging large-scale forest clearance in Kancha Gachibowli—an ecologically sensitive zone increasingly threatened by urban sprawl. Environmental activists raised concerns over the disappearance of green cover, pushing the Supreme Court to register the matter on its own motion.
Earlier, the Court had directed the Telangana government to file a detailed status report on the alleged encroachments and restoration steps. The latest affidavit is the State’s attempt to demonstrate compliance.
What Lies Ahead
The matter has been re-listed for August 13. Until then, the Court has effectively put the State on notice, demanding a more robust and verifiable commitment to environmental safeguards.
This case is poised to become a landmark in India’s environmental jurisprudence, potentially setting boundaries on how far development ambitions can stretch in ecologically sensitive areas.