SC Raises Alarm Over Destruction in Kancha Gachibowli ‘Forest’

gavel Supreme Court Steps In on Rampant Deforestation

The Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu cognizance of widespread tree felling and construction activity in the ecologically sensitive zone of Kancha Gachibowli in Hyderabad, Telangana. The court observed that unchecked real estate development threatens the survival of the urban forest patch that has long served as a green buffer for the city.

forest Green Lung Under Siege

Spread across 120 acres, Kancha Gachibowli is home to hundreds of native plant species, birds, and small mammals. Environmental activists have flagged rapid land clearing since January 2025, with bulldozers operating under alleged municipal clearances granted without proper ecological impact assessment.

warning SC Demands Immediate Halt

In a strongly worded interim order, the bench led by Justice L. Nageswara Rao directed the Telangana government to "immediately cease all construction and deforestation activities", pending a comprehensive environmental audit. The court has also summoned state forest officials and GHMC administrators to present their clearance records by April 8.

groups Civil Society Welcomes Intervention

Local green groups like Save Kancha and the Telangana Nature Forum have welcomed the apex court's intervention, calling it a “last-minute lifeline” for the urban forest. Over 5,000 residents signed a petition demanding the area be designated a protected forest under the Wildlife Protection Act.

eco Ecologists Call for Long-Term Protection

Ecologist Dr. Vani Reddy emphasized that Kancha Gachibowli forms a crucial part of Hyderabad’s green corridor network. “Its destruction will raise local temperatures, reduce biodiversity, and severely impact stormwater drainage in monsoons,” she warned.

policy Telangana Govt on the Backfoot

The state government initially defended its permissions by citing “strategic infrastructure development,” but later agreed to reassess zoning decisions in light of public backlash and legal scrutiny. A joint inspection team is now scheduled to visit the site this weekend.

landscape Past Efforts to Preserve the Forest

This isn’t the first time Kancha Gachibowli has faced threats. In 2017, local schoolchildren and conservationists planted over 2,000 saplings in a mass afforestation drive. Several NGOs have conducted nature walks and eco-education events to highlight the importance of urban forests.

lightbulb What’s Next?

The Supreme Court will hear the matter next on April 10. Environmentalists hope the proceedings will culminate in a permanent preservation order, while local residents plan to hold a green march this Sunday in solidarity with the forest.