Environmentalists are saying the land in question is a biodiverse habitat, rich in native flora and fauna.
New Delhi:The Supreme Court directed the government of Telangana to take steps to restore the forest area in Hyderabad's Kancha Gachibowli, which has seen protests by students and environmental activists over tree-felling.
"We are putting you on guard," the top court told the Telangana government, while observing that rushed bulldozing activities over around 100 acres of the Kancha Gachibowli forest last month seemed "pre-planned". "You (officers involved in bulldozing) have taken advantage of a long weekend. Haven't you seen the photos? Bulldozers were deployed, the activity was pre-planned," the Bench said.
The Bench said it is an advocate of sustainable development and directed authorities to restore the forest or send half a dozen officers to temporary prison. It was further observed that 60 per cent of the forest that was cut was moderately or heavily dense forest. The next hearing will be held on July 23.
The court refused to hear a petition seeking quashing of FIRs against students who were whistleblowers in the case, asking them to approach appropriate courts in the matter.
A month ago, a Bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih had said that deforestation of the area adjacent to the Hyderabad Central University campus had taken place "without permission of authorities". They also lamented the loss of habitats of animals, pointing to videos showing "herbivorous animals running to seek shelter... bitten by stray dogs".
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