The Supreme Court on Wednesday extended the stay on tree cutting in 400 acres of land at Kancha Gachibowli in Hyderabad for another month and directed the Wildlife Warden of Telangana to take steps to protect wildlife affected by deforestation in 100 acres.
The bench, consisting of Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice A.G. Masih, scheduled the next hearing for May 15, after senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Telangana government, requested four weeks to respond to the report of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC).
The CEC had visited the site and submitted its report in compliance with the Supreme Court’s order from April 3.
While granting the state government time to review and respond to the CEC report, the bench ordered that the status quo be maintained and emphasized that no trees should be cut.
The court also directed the Wildlife Warden to examine and implement immediate steps required to protect wildlife impacted by deforestation in the 100 acres.
It further warned that if state government officers attempt to oppose restoration efforts, they would face temporary imprisonment.
The Supreme Court had taken up the matter suo motu on April 3 and stayed further tree cutting.
Protests had erupted from students of Hyderabad Central University (HCU), environmental activists, and opposition parties after authorities began clearing the land near the university for an auction by the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC), intended for the development of IT parks.
The authorities faced criticism from protestors for destroying a crucial green space in the city and disrupting wildlife habitats.
During Wednesday’s hearing, the bench questioned the state government about whether it had obtained permission from the CEC for tree felling.
The bench also inquired about the urgency behind the development activity, which involved the removal of trees from the forest area.
The bench noted their surprise at seeing herbivorous animals in videos running for shelter and being attacked by stray dogs.
Instructing the authorities to present a restoration plan, the bench made it clear that it would go to great lengths to protect the environment.
When senior advocate K. Parameshwar, appearing as amicus curiae, informed the Court about the land being mortgaged to a private party for Rs 10,000 crore, and referenced the CEC report, the bench stated that their primary concern was how so many trees had been felled without permission.
It remarked that it was up to the state whether some of its officers would face temporary imprisonment and urged the state to prioritize the protection of wildlife.
IANS
