The Supreme Court on Wednesday voiced concern over the clearing of a significant tree cover on land adjacent to the University of Hyderabad in Telangana. In scathing remarks, the apex court suggested that temporary prisons could be built on the site for the officers involved to "enjoy".
Additionally, the court directed the state’s wildlife warden to assess the situation and promptly implement necessary measures to protect wildlife impacted by the deforestation.
Surprised to see videos where animals are running for shelter, says Supreme Court, adding "We are concerned with the damage done to environment". It also slammed the Congress government in the state over the "tearing hurry" to chop down trees on the green patch near the university.
The top court observed that the state government should have obtained prior permission if it intended to carry out construction on the land.
During the hearing of a suo motu case related to tree felling in the Kancha Gachibowli area, Justices BR Gavai and AG Masih questioned how such a large number of trees were cut without approval from the relevant authorities.
“We are only concerned about how so many trees were cut without permission,” the bench remarked.
Responding to senior advocate AM Singhvi—who informed the court that both the tree felling and construction activities in Telangana had been halted—Justice Gavai stated, “If you want the Chief Secretary to be spared from severe action, you need to present a plan for how you intend to restore those hundred acres.
Videos went viral on social media earlier this month, purportedly showing bulldozers razing trees on around 100 acres of forest land near the Univeristy of Hyderabad.
On April 3, the Supreme Court ordered that, until further notice, no activity of any kind shall be carried out on the land, except for measures aimed at protecting the existing trees. The court took up the matter after it was brought to its attention by senior advocate K Parameshwar, who is serving as amicus curiae in forest-related cases.