Hyderabad: The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of deforestation activities in the Kancha Gachibowli Forest, adjacent to the University of Hyderabad (HCU). Acting swiftly, the court directed the Registrar (Judicial) of the Telangana High Court to visit the site and submit an interim report by 3:30 p.m. on the same day ( April 3, 2025).
The Registrar’s report revealed alarming details of ongoing destruction in the forest area. Shrubs, bushes, and trees- ranging from small to large- have been felled over the past few days. Heavy machinery has been deployed to remove boulders and rocks, further accelerating the damage.
The report also highlighted the presence of wildlife in the area, including peacocks, deer, and various bird species, emphasizing the ecological significance of the forest. Approximately 100 acres of the forest have already been destroyed, with a lake situated beside the deforested area serving as a habitat for deer and other wildlife.
The report also noted the proximity of the HCU administrative building and the presence of three helipads near the deforested zone. The Supreme Court’s intervention is considered as a major development in the direction of preserving the biodiversity-rich Kancha Gachibowli Forest.
The acknowledgment of wildlife presence by the Registrar during the stock-taking visit adds weight to the ecological concerns raised by conservationists and environmental activists. This case highlights the delicate balance between development and environmental conservation, with the Supreme Court’s actions serving as a beacon of hope for safeguarding the region’s natural heritage.
