"I am myself an advocate for sustainable development, but that doesn’t mean that overnight you should employ 30 bulldozers and clear all the jungle.” These remarks of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai, reflect his angst at the brazenness of authorities responsible for recklessly clearing Kancha Gachibowli, the biodiversity hotspot in the state of Telangana.

On 23 July, 2025 the CJI questioned the justification of such actions under the guise of sustainable development in the course of hearing a suo motu case concerning the destruction of forest land.

The deforestation reportedly took place following a government order issued by the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC), aiming to alienate approximately 400 acres of green cover for the establishment of IT infrastructure.

The matter escalated after reports surfaced of large-scale tree felling, prompting public outrage and legal interventions. Senior Advocate K. Parameshwar, appearing as amicus curiae, informed the bench that certain private intervenors intended to respond to the State’s affidavit.

In an earlier hearing, the Court had warned State officials of contempt proceedings and possible imprisonment, noting that the tree-clearing operation was deliberately carried out during a long weekend, allegedly to avoid legal scrutiny.

Emphasizing the urgent need to protect the affected wildlife and natural habitat, the Court directed the State’s Wildlife Warden to take immediate action. It also underscored that restoring the status quo on the site would remain the Court's top priority.

The dispute originates from a 2012 land acquisition by Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC), with a subsequent 2024 government order permitting to alienate 400 acres of green cover in the Kancha Gachibowli forest area, for IT infrastructure development.

Recent large-scale tree felling sparked protests and legal challenges. The Telangana High Court initially stayed the deforestation but later deferred hearings, noting the Supreme Court's involvement.

Public Interest Litigations were filed alleging that the government violated Supreme Court rulings in T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad and Ashok Kumar Sharma v. Union of India, which requires states to identify and conserve forest-like areas based on their ecological character, not just official records.

Petitioners further argued that the deforestation was carried out without mandatory environmental assessments under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, and alleged that the land was being auctioned for IT development without transparency or ecological consideration.

The State, in its defense, claimed that the land is categorized as “industrial” and disputed the petitioners' reliance on satellite images to establish its forest status.

The Supreme Court has subsequently scheduled the next hearing for August 13.

Case Details: IN RE : Kancha Gachibowli Forest, State Of Telangana vs., SMW(C) No. 3/2025