Kancha Gachibowli deforestation: Centre asks Telangana government for factual report

The Ministry of Environment and Forest came to know about the ‘illegal felling and removal of vegetation’ in Kancha Gachibowli, says Assistant Inspector General of Forests

Hyderabad: The Union Ministry of Environment and Forest has intervened in the clearing of 400 acres of forest land in Kancha Gachibowli here for auction, demanding a factual report on the matter from the State government.

In a letter to Additional Chief Secretary (Forests), Telangana, on Wednesday, Assistant Inspector General of Forests S Sundar said the Ministry had come to know about the “illegal felling and removal of vegetation” in Kancha Gachibowli by TGIIC.

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There were also various news reports in print and social media in this regard alleging damage to the wildlife found in the said land, its lakes and to the unique rock formations found in the area, he said, adding that the Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change Bhupender Yadav was also in receipt of various representations from Members of Parliament and other public representatives on the matter.

In view of this, the State government was to provide a factual report on the issue immediately, take legal action under the provisions of the Indian Forest Act (or local Forest Act), Wildlife Protection Act and the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, as applicable and also ensure that there was no violation of any other Acts or orders of courts and tribunals.

Responding to the Centre’s intervention, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy thanked Bhupender Yadav. Stating that this was a significant step towards ensuring accountability, preventing further environmental hazards and protecting the green cover, he said this would also ensure that all actions remain within the legal purview and undergo proper consultation.