The Telangana High Court on April 2, 2025, put an immediate stop to the felling of trees in Kancha Gachibowli, a green area near Hyderabad Central University (HCU). The court issued a temporary stay while hearing a petition challenging a government order that aimed to clear 400 acres of land to set up IT infrastructure.
A division bench led by Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Renuka Yara passed the interim order and clarified that no coercive action should be taken until the next hearing on April 3, 2025.
"No coercive steps shall be taken until further hearing," the bench stated.
The case revolves around a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against a Government Order (GO) issued by the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC). The GO allegedly violates the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, as it proposes to clear a significant portion of the green belt for IT infrastructure development.
The petitioner, Vata Foundation ENPO, argues that the land in question:
- Has remained untouched for generations.
- Houses over 237 species of birds, including spotted deer, wild boars, star tortoises, and snakes.
- Contains unique rock formations and lakes that are vital for ecological balance.
The plea demands that all actions related to the GO be canceled, and the land be declared a National Park to ensure its long-term protection.
According to reports, TSIIC had acquired the land back in 2012. However, in 2024, the corporation issued a new order to alienate the land for IT development. As part of this initiative, tree-cutting began, and recently, the felling of trees accelerated, raising serious concerns among environmental activists.
Seeing the rapid loss of green cover, Vata Foundation ENPO moved to the High Court, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent further damage.
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"Apart from this land, parts of Hyderabad Central University also require protection, as they are interconnected and form part of the same forest ecosystem," the plea highlighted.
Case title: Vata Foundation ENPO vs. State of Telangana