Supreme Court stays tree felling in Kancha Gachibowli, Telangana, questioning environmental compliance and urgency behind deforestation.
SUPREME COURT STOPS TREE FELLING IN TELANGANA FOREST
Case in News
The Supreme Court led by Justice BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih halted tree felling in Kancha Gachibowli, Telangana questioning the urgency behind doing deforestation in the area.
Case Overview
Case Name: IN RE KANCHA GACHIBOWLI FOREST STATE OF TELANGANA
The Supreme Court of India took suo motu cognizance of the case relating to tree felling in Kancha Gachibowli, Hyderabad. A bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih questioned the Telangana government on environmental clearance, compelling urgency and legal permissions. The Court warned the Chief Secretary of personal liability if its orders were violated.
Key Aspects
- Court Action: Ordered a halt to all activities immediately except tree protection.
- State’s Plan: Telangana planned to allocate 400 acres of Kancha Gachibowli for infrastructure of IT..
- Environmental Impact: Large-scale tree felling, disturbing wildlife like peacocks and deer.
- Government Justification: Telangana argued the land was industrial but the Court demanded legal approvals.
- Public Protests: Students like those from Hyderabad Central University protested and were against deforestation.
Legal Insights
- Article 48A of the Constitution: States that State to safeguard and improve the environment and protect forests and wildlife.
- Article 21 (Right to Life): Also include the right to a clean and healthy environment.
- Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: Needs Central government approval before forest land is used for non-forest things.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006 : Mandates an environmental clearance before undertaking large scale deforestation.
- TN Godavarman Thirumulpad vs. Union of India: orders states to identify and safeguard forest land as per the dictionary meaning of “forest.”
- Ashok Kumar Sharma vs. Union of India: Bana unauthorized deforestation without statutory Order.
- Supreme Court Orders (March 4 & February 3, 2025): Bar states from decreasing forest areas unless compensatory afforestation is given .
Court’s Verdict
The Court stayed tree felling and summoned the Chief Secretary of Telangana for explanations. It stressed on legal compliance and environmental protection before proceeding with any developmental activities.
SUPREME COURT STOPS TREE FELLING IN TELANGANA FOREST
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