The Telangana High Court issued a 24-hour halt on the ongoing tree cutting in the 400-acre land at Kancha Gachibowli, near the Hyderabad Central University, in response to a petition filed by students and the Vata Foundation. The petitioners had raised concerns that the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) was unlawfully felling trees with bulldozers, violating Supreme Court orders.
The court's interim order was passed while hearing Public Interest Litigations (PILs) that argued TGIIC's actions were in contravention of specific Supreme Court guidelines, which mandate the formation of a committee to oversee the felling of trees, especially if the land houses wildlife. The petitioners highlighted that the area in question is home to numerous species of animals and birds, prompting the Vata Foundation to seek the land’s declaration as a 'national park' under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
The Supreme Court had previously ruled that any land inhabited by wildlife should undergo a thorough study for a month before any decision on tree felling is made. The petitioners argued that TGIIC had failed to follow these orders.
However, Telangana’s Advocate-General Sudershan Reddy countered, stating that the 400 acres in question was not recognized as a 'forest'. He pointed to the presence of high-rise buildings and helipads on neighboring parcels, suggesting that the area could not be classified as a forest. He also downplayed concerns about wildlife, noting that areas in Hyderabad, like those with snakes and peacocks, are not officially designated as forests.
The dispute escalated over the weekend when bulldozers began clearing the land to prepare it for auction as part of an IT park development project. Students from Hyderabad Central University launched protests, and tensions flared when the police reportedly used force to disperse the demonstrators, accusing them of obstructing official duties.
In response, the Telangana government clarified that it had not taken university land for development and accused the opposition parties, including the BRS and BJP, of spreading misinformation for political leverage. The government also warned of stringent action against anyone obstructing the development process.
The situation has sparked a larger political debate, with the BJP’s involvement further intensifying the row. The BRS party accused the police of manhandling protesting students, while also attacking Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly spreading hatred with his recent comments on the issue.
As the Telangana High Court weighs its next steps, the halt on tree cutting remains in place, and the political and social tensions surrounding the project continue to grow.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)