Kancha Gachibowli Land Fiasco: SC Steps In But What's Next?

The deforestation of biodiversity-rich Kancha Gachibowli has sparked nationwide concern. Student protests at the University of Hyderabad have brought the issue into the national spotlight. Now with Supreme Court's involvement, there is hope for some strict measures. The apex court will hear the case on April 16. In its earlier hearing last week, SC had directed the Telangana government to halt all tree felling and excavation activities in the land from immediate effect.

In its order, citing news reports, the court had observed the authorities have rushed to felling the trees, taking advantage of long holidays over the weekend. “Until further orders, no activity of any sort, except the protection of trees already existing, shall be undertaken by the State,” a bench comprising of Justices BR Gavai and AG Masih had said.

This was followed by Telangana High Court order to stop the felling of trees. The HC had noted, "It is difficult to appreciate as to what was the alarming urgency to start the deforestation activities immediately after the committee [to identify forest land] was constituted and an exercise as required under the Rule… was yet to be undertaken.”

What Really Happened?

On March 30, at least 50 earthmovers were sent to the 400-acre green cover falling under the University premises to clear the land for auctioning. A part was planned to be auctioned off to the IT parks. This triggered large-scale protests in the campus, resulting in the detainment of 53 students. The Students' Union declared an indefinite strike but it couldn't stop the earthmovers.

BIshnu J, a communications student in the Hyderabad University, was present at the site. He said, "In the beginning, only a few JCBs arrived and began destroying the forest areas inside the University. It was immediately followed by a demonstration by the student community and the Students' Union. By evening, over 50 JCBs had entered our campus and were relentlessly destroying its greenery."

Kancha Gachibowli is one of the city's last remaining forests with a rich biodiversity and a home to animals like deer, wild boars, porcupines, peacocks, turtles, and various reptile species.

"In all of Hyderabad, this is the greenest stretch, and it has been given to the university for research purposes. By destroying it, we do not simply mean uprooting trees, we are destroying an entire ecosystem," the student remarked. "Wildlife is displaced, the environment is damaged, and the heat in an already hot city is exacerbated," he added.

A study, as cited in a Telangana Today report, warned that deforestation in the area could increase local temperatures by 1 to 4 degrees Celsius, worsening environmental conditions in Gachibowli and its surroundings.

But the government claims it is a land of massive investment opportunity to the tune of Rs 50,000 crore and an employment potential of 5 lakh jobs. Moreover, the Gachibowli IT corridor is among the most expensive localities in the city with high property rates.

What Comes Next?

In its next hearing, SC will examine the the ground report and hear from the state government. Alongside the Centre has also asked the Telangana Forest Department to submit a factual report on the possible breaches of the Forest Conservation Act and wildlife laws. It remains to be seen if the development trajectory of the emerging IT hub will prioritise the environment sustainability, especially at a time when climate change is posing an existential threat to the humankind.