New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday extended the stay on tree cutting in 400 acres of land at Kancha Gachibowli in Hyderabad for a month and directed the Wildlife Warden of Telangana to take steps to protect the wildlife affected by deforestation in 100 acres.
The bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and A.G. Masih scheduled the next hearing for May 15 after senior counsel Abhishekh Manu Singhvi, representing the Telangana government, requested four weeks to respond to the Central Empowered Committee's (CEC) report. The CEC had submitted its findings following the Supreme Court's April 3 order. Granting the state time to review the report, the bench maintained the status quo, emphasising that no trees should be cut.
The court instructed the wildlife warden to implement immediate measures to safeguard wildlife impacted by deforestation in 100 acres. It also cautioned state government officers against opposing restoration, warning of temporary imprisonment. The Supreme Court had initiated the case suo moto on April 3, halting further tree-cutting.
Students of Hyderabad Central University (HCU), environmental activists, and opposition parties have protested against the clearing of land near the university for auction by Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) to develop IT parks. Protesters criticised the authorities for destroying a crucial green space and wildlife habitat.
During Wednesday's hearing, the bench questioned the state government on whether it had obtained permission from the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) for tree felling.
The bench observed that they were surprised to see herbivorous animals in the videos running to seek shelter and being bitten by stray dogs.
Directing the authorities to give a restoration plan, the bench made it clear that they would go out of the way to protect the environment.
Senior advocate K. Parameshwar, serving as amicus curiae, informed the court that the land had been mortgaged to a private party for ₹10,000 crore, referencing the CEC report. The bench stated that they were concerned only about how so many trees were felled without permission.
It remarked that it was up to the state whether it wanted some of its officers to go to a temporary prison. It asked the state to see how wildlife can be protected.
(inputs from IANS)