Watch: UoH students break into celebrations as Supreme Court takes suo moto cognizance of Kancha Gachibowli tree felling

Students of the Central University, who had been protesting since Monday against the deforestation of the area by the Congress government, broke into celebrations after the apex court stepped in.

Hyderabad: The atmosphere on the University of Hyderabad campus was charged with emotion on Thursday afternoon after the Supreme Court took suo moto cognizance of the large-scale tree felling in Kancha Gachibowli.

Students of the Central University, who had been protesting since Monday against the deforestation of the area by the Congress government, broke into celebrations after the apex court stepped in.

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Students from various universities in Hyderabad, along with environmentalists, had been staging protests, braving police barricades, detentions, and even threats of disciplinary action from the government.

Speaking with Telangana Today, Akash Kumar, vice-president of the elected students’ union of the University of Hyderabad, hailed the Supreme Court’s orders and added that it was a major relief for all the protesting students, environmentalists, and members of civil society.

Worried about the safety of the detained students and other protestors, Akash hoped that they would be released from police custody soon.

Aniket Das, a student at the University of Hyderabad, said that there was a mood of relief and joy on campus. “Although we have to wait until April 16 for the Supreme Court’s verdict, we welcome the apex court taking suo moto cognizance,” he said.

The protestors also found strong backing on the internet, as several celebrities and YouTubers supported their online campaigns by posting against the tree felling at Kancha Gachibowli.

Although successful in their efforts, the determined students are now worried about the trees that have already been cut and are questioning the Telangana government about what has been done with them.

They have also expressed concern for the displaced animals and hope that a solution for their safety will be found soon.

Meanwhile, satellite images of the Kancha Gachibowli lands from March 30 and April 2, which went viral on Wednesday, show that the destruction caused by earthmovers is massive.