New Delhi:
The Supreme Court directed the Telangana government to take steps to restore the forest area in Kancha Gachibovali in Hyderabad, which has seen protests on trees and environmental workers.
“We are putting you on the guard,” the apex court told the Telangana government, while given that last month, Bulldozing activities on about 100 acres of Kancha Gachibovali One seemed to be “pre -planned”. The bench said, “You (the officers involved in bulldozing) have taken advantage of a long weekend. Have you not seen photos? The bulldozers were deployed, the activity was pre -employed,” the bench said.
The bench said that it is a lawyer for sustainable development and a lawyer of the officers directed to restore the forests or send half a dozen officers to a temporary jail. It was further observed that 60 percent of the forest which was cut was a minor or heavy dense forest. The next hearing will be held on 23 July.
The court refused to hear a petition, with whistleblowers in the case, asking them to contact the appropriate courts in the case.
A month ago, a bench of Justice Bra Gawai and Justice AG Masih issued a warning to the state government, stating that it could not be “high-growing in the deer company.” It said that forest harvesting of the area adjacent to Hyderabad Central University Campus was “without the permission of the authorities”. He also criticized the loss of animal habitats, pointing to the video, “vegetarian animals showed vegetarian animals running to look for shelter … cut by stray dogs”.
“If you want to save your Chief Secretary … Tell us how you will restore those 100 acres. Come with a plan … otherwise we do not know how many of your officials will go to the temporary (jail),” Justice Gawai said.
The dispute over the Kancha Gachobovali land stems from the Congress’ university from the redevelopment plan of about 400 acres of land adjacent to the university. This led to protests by students and workers, who argued the use of bulldozers that they violate the orders of the Supreme Court and endangered wildlife in the region.
Saying that land is home to many species of animals and birds, a non-governmental organization, Vata Foundation, demanded a ‘National Park’ to be declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Environmentalists say that land in question is a biodiversity residence, which is rich in indigenous flora and fauna. It is a home of 233 species of birds and houses, which is a rare spider species of Mirrikia Hyderabadesis unique to this forest patch. In addition, there are three reptiles and 27 bird species listed, which reflect their endangered status under Schedule -I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
In addition, the region includes 72 tree species and ancient mushroom rock formation which is more than two billion years old.
The Telangana government has clarified that it has not taken land related to the university, and has criticized the opposition BRS and BJP for spreading lies about land for political gains.
The Congress -led government introduced the land migration through the auction under the first YS Rajashekhara Reddy and has since become a standard policy in Telangana. Facing an estimated loan estimated to cross Rs 5 lakh crore by the end of FY 2025-26, the newly elected Congress government under the Chief Minister Revantha Reddy is watching to raise funds through land auction to support welfare schemes. As HinduThe Chief Minister has accepted the lack of funds for capital expenditure, which underlines financial pressure to run Kanch Gachibovi’s auction.
