The Supreme Court has issued a stern directive to the Telangana government, ordering it to restore the Kancha Gachibowli forest in Hyderabad or face serious legal consequences, including possible jail time for state officials.
The move follows reports of unauthorised tree felling on 400 acres of ecologically sensitive land, sparking public outrage and nationwide concern over environmental governance. On April 16, 2025, a bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih slammed the state government for what it called an “unacceptable” act of environmental violation, allegedly carried out over a long weekend to avoid scrutiny. The Supreme Court initiated the suo motu case after images of widespread deforestation emerged from the Kancha Gachibowli area, located near Hyderabad’s urban fringes. The forest, often referred to as the “lungs of Hyderabad,” supports diverse biodiversity, mitigates air pollution, and plays a key role in regulating urban temperatures. Local residents, students from the University of Hyderabad, and environmental activists staged protests after reports surfaced that the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) was preparing to auction the land for IT infrastructure development.
The Court questioned the urgency of such a move and demanded to know whether all environmental clearances were in place. It also directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to inspect the site and submit a report. Meanwhile, a blanket ban has been imposed on any further activity in the 400-acre zone until further orders. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared for the Telangana government, while Senior Advocate K. Parameshwar was appointed Amicus Curiae. The next hearing is scheduled for July 23, 2025. Experts say restoring the forest may be a complex process involving native species selection, water management, and long-term monitoring. Authorities may also face pressure to find alternative development sites to balance industrial needs with ecological preservation. The case highlights growing judicial activism in India’s environmental sector and sends a message to states that ecological violations will be met with strict accountability. As the country moves towards sustainable urbanisation, the ruling could become a reference point for future green governance models.
Whether Telangana can meet the Court’s directive remains to be seen. But for now, the restoration of Kancha Gachibowli forest has emerged as a litmus test for balancing development with environmental responsibility.
