SC Extends Stay On Tree Felling Near HCU
The CEC visited the site and submitted its report as per the Supreme Court order of April 3
SC Extends Stay On Tree Felling Near HCU
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday extended the stay on tree cutting in 400 acres of land at Kancha Gachibowli in Hyderabad for a month and directed the Wildlife Warden of Telangana to take steps to protect the wildlife affected by deforestation in 100 acres.
The bench of Justice BR. Gavai and Justice AG Masih posted the next hearing to May 15 after senior counsel Abhishekh Manu Singhvi, appearing for the Telangana government, sought four weeks’ time to respond to the report of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC).
The CEC visited the site and submitted its report as per the Supreme Court order of April 3.
While granting time to the state government to study and respond to the CEC report, the bench ordered status quo and made it clear that not a single tree should be cut there.
The court also directed the Wildlife Warden to examine and put into effect immediate steps required to protect wildlife affected on account of deforestation in 100 acres.
It also warned that if the state government officers tried to oppose restoration, there will be a temporary prison for them. The Supreme Court had taken up the matter suo moto on April 3 and stayed further tree-cutting.
There have been protests by the students of Hyderabad Central University (HCU), environmental activists and opposition parties after the authorities took up clearing of the land near the university ahead of its auction by Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) for development of IT parks.
The authorities came under criticism from protestors for destroying a vital lung space of the city and also the habitat of wildlife. During the hearing on Wednesday, the bench asked the State government if it had taken permission from the CEC for the felling of trees.
