Supreme Court Warns Telangana: Restore Kancha Gachibowli Green Cover or Face Jail Time

The Supreme Court has issued a stern warning to the Telangana government regarding the unauthorized felling of trees and removal of green cover from over 100 acres in the Kancha Gachibowli forest area in Hyderabad. The Court emphasized that the state has two options: either restore the green cover or prepare for the possibility of senior officials facing imprisonment for violating court orders.

During the proceedings, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the state, contended that the actions were “bonafide and unintentional” and assured compliance with the Court’s directives. However, the bench, comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and A.G. Masih, rejected this defense, highlighting that even projects of national importance require prior court approval before any tree felling. The Court noted that the state’s actions were in clear violation of its orders.

The bench expressed shock upon viewing visuals of wildlife fleeing the area due to the destruction of their habitat and has requested a report from the state’s wildlife warden on measures taken to protect the displaced animals.

This ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to environmental conservation and its readiness to enforce strict penalties for non-compliance.