Thu Apr 03 21:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Telangana Chief Secretary Faces Supreme Court Wrath Over Hyderabad Deforestation

**NEW DELHI** – The Supreme Court of India on Thursday sharply reprimanded the Chief Secretary of the Telangana government for the ongoing deforestation in Hyderabad’s Kancha Gachibowli area. The court took suo moto cognizance of the issue after reports surfaced detailing the large-scale felling of trees.

The court questioned the urgency of the afforestation project, initiated just days after the state formed an expert committee to identify forest areas, as per a March 4th order. Justice Gavai remarked that the Chief Secretary might face imprisonment if the actions continued.

A report submitted by the Telangana High Court Registrar (Judicial), who visited the site, revealed extensive development activity involving the destruction of approximately 100 acres of land containing a significant number of trees, as well as wildlife including peacocks and deer. The report also noted the presence of a nearby lake.

The Supreme Court ordered an immediate halt to all activities except the protection of remaining trees and issued a series of directives: The Chief Secretary must answer questions regarding the urgency of the project, environmental impact assessments, and permissions obtained for tree felling. The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) must conduct a site visit and submit a report by April 16th.

The court stressed that the Chief Secretary would be held personally responsible if its directives were not followed. The case involves a 400-acre parcel of land slated for IT infrastructure development, but protests from locals and students from the University of Hyderabad, citing environmental concerns, have intensified. The area is considered an eco-sensitive zone vital to Hyderabad’s environment. Several students were reportedly arrested during recent clashes with police. The Supreme Court has initiated a suo moto case and further investigation is underway.

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