The Supreme Court on Thursday strongly objected to the large-scale cutting of trees in the Kancha Gachibowli forest area of Rangareddy district, Telangana, near the University of Hyderabad. The court directed the state government to stop any further deforestation immediately.

Additionally, the court instructed the Registrar (Judicial) of the Telangana High Court to visit the site and submit an interim report by 3:30 PM today (April 3). The issue gained attention when reports surfaced about a large number of trees being cut down over the weekend, starting Sunday, March 30. This led to protests by students and environmental activists against the government's actions, which eventually caught the court's attention. A court-appointed advisor informed the Supreme Court that the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) had received reports of extensive deforestation in the area, which is home to eight species of protected animals. 

"Taking advantage of long holidays over the weekend, authorities rushed to fell the trees," the Supreme Court noted, expressing concern. The Telangana administration must ensure that no more tree cutting occurs till it issues new directives, the court emphasised. Representing the Telangana government, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi mentioned that he had previously handled a related case in the High Court. He also stated that Telangana’s Advocate General had assured that no further action would be taken for the time being. However, he argued that “there is no forest in that area at all.” In response, the court asked, “Are you not clearing trees?” The state’s counsel replied that only shrubs were being removed.

The Supreme Court made it clear that it was not putting a hold on the High Court's proceedings but ensured that its orders were quickly shared and followed. Earlier on Wednesday, the Telangana High Court temporarily halted development work on 400 acres of land in Kancha Gachibowli. This decision came after petitions were filed by University of Hyderabad students and the environmental NGO, Vata Foundation. The stay will continue until the next hearing on Thursday.

During the hearing, the state government's lawyer explained that the land was first given to a company in 2004. However, since the company did not use it properly, the government took it back. He also clarified that the area is not considered forest land and noted that nearby university properties already have tall buildings and helipads.