Kancha Gachibowli: Supreme Court warns against bulldozing forests in the name of development, adjourns hearing to Aug 13

The Supreme Court adjourned the Kancha Gachibowli forest case to August 13, criticising Telangana for allegedly clearing forest land overnight. The CJI warned that bulldozing forests under the pretext of development cannot be justified and officials could face jail.

Hyderabad: The Supreme Court on Wednesday adjourned the Kancha Gachibowli forest case to August 13 after the amicus curiae sought more time to study the Telangana government’s counter-affidavit detailing restoration measures taken in the forest area.

The matter relates to a suo motu case registered by the Apex Court following large-scale tree felling across 400 acres of forest land in Kancha Gachibowli without requisite permissions.

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The Bench, comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justices Vinod Chandran and Joymalya Bagchi, expressed concern over the manner in which forest land was allegedly cleared.

“I’m an advocate of sustainable development. But that does not mean employ 30 bulldozers overnight and destroy all forest land,” the CJI observed, warning that environmental damage under the guise of development would not be condoned.

The court reiterated that sustainable development must not come at the cost of environmental degradation and indicated that officers responsible for failing to comply with restoration directions could face imprisonment.

Senior Advocate K Parameshwar, appearing as amicus curiae, said private parties intervening in the matter also intended to file responses to the State’s affidavit. The court agreed to grant time for the same and re-listed the case for August 13.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared on behalf of the Telangana government.

Earlier, the Bench had directed the State to submit a status report on compliance with court directives. The government, in its counter-affidavit, outlined measures reportedly taken to protect the environment and initiate restoration in the affected zone.