New Delhi, Aug 13 (UNI) The Supreme Court today granted the Telangana government six weeks to present a comprehensive proposal for restoring the large-scale deforestation in the Kancha Gachibowli forest area, while emphasising that development must not come at the cost of environmental destruction.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, along with Justice K Vinod Chandran, recorded the State’s submission.
Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the state, said that all deforestation work had been halted and a restoration plan was being prepared.
“Come with a good proposal,” the CJI remarked, adding, “If you bring a genuinely good plan, we will withdraw this case and give you a real compliment. We want the environment to be protected.”
The Court reiterated that while it is not opposed to development, it must be sustainable, balancing environmental and wildlife protection with growth. “The forest that has been destroyed must be restored,” the Bench said in its order, listing the matter after six weeks.
The case, taken up suo motu, stems from allegations of large-scale felling of over 1,000 trees in the Kancha Gachibowli area without environmental clearance.
In earlier hearings, the CJI had warned the State of contempt proceedings, holding the Chief Secretary personally accountable if restoration was not undertaken.
The Court had also observed that over 60 percent of the cleared land comprised moderately to heavily dense forest, citing a Forest Services report.
In April, the apex court restrained all activity in the area except measures to protect existing trees after reviewing photographs and a report from the High Court Registrar (Judicial) showing widespread tree felling and heavy machinery operations over nearly 100 acres.
The Court had directed the Central Empowered Committee to inspect the site and submit a report, and ordered the Telangana Wildlife Warden to take immediate protective measures for the local wildlife.
With Tuesday’s order, the State now has six weeks to produce a “holistic” restoration plan balancing ecological protection with legitimate development needs, for further review by the Court.
