Photo Source: ANI
Supreme Court halts tree felling in Telangana's Kancha Gachibowli, warns officers of jail time of forest not restored
By Zinnia Balli
New Delhi, April 17, 2025 – In a strong rebuke to Telangana authorities, the Supreme Court of India has ordered an immediate halt to all tree felling in the 100-acre forest area of Kancha Gachibowli and warned state officials of possible jail time if the forest is not restored.
A bench comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice A.G. Masih reiterated its earlier directive from April 3, instructing the state to cease all activities on the land—except those necessary for the protection and conservation of existing trees.
“If you try to oppose the restoration of the deforested land, then your officers will be sent to temporary prison,” the bench warned in stern remarks during the hearing.
The court further directed the Telangana Wildlife Warden to take immediate action to safeguard the wildlife impacted by the deforestation.The bench expressed serious concern over the environmental damage caused and emphasized that not a single additional tree should be cut.
Environmental activists and residents have welcomed the Supreme Court’s intervention, calling it a significant step toward preserving one of Hyderabad’s last remaining urban green lungs.
Earlier, the Supreme Court, while taking suo moto cognisance of the felling of trees at the forest area in Kancha Gachibowli in Telangana, stayed the felling of trees at the site and warned the Chief Secretary of the consequences if its order is not complied with.
It had ordered that until further orders, there shall be no activity of any sort at the site, except the protection of trees already existing.