The deforestation of approximately 100 acres of land in the Kancha Gachibowli forest area has sparked a large outcry, both online and offline. The clearing of forest land has gravely endangered the lives of the fauna inhabiting the space, along with causing serious environmental consequences. In response, conservationists and students of Hyderabad University filed petitions.
The petitions claimed that 400 acres of green cover fall under the category of ‘forest’ as per the Forest Conservation Act. Consequently, the Supreme Court, on 3rd March 2025, observed the extent of destruction and condemned the state government for flattening the trees and excavating the land to raise buildings there. “Developmental activities” in India often result in the complete wipeout of flora and fauna in specific green belts, further accelerating the climate crisis.
A lack of trees and forest cover signals a deeply threatened future for generations to come. A suo moto case has been issued by the Supreme Court, and the state government has been asked to present an interim report, including photographs, within three hours. This is a close call to preserve the earth—and prevent it from drying out.
Image @AskAnshul (X)