Supreme Court stays tree felling in Telangana’s Kancha Gachibowli forest area

The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed tree-felling in 400 acres of land at Kancha Gachibowli forest area near the Hyderabad Central University campus in Telangana.

The Bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih passed the interim order after an oral mention was made by Senior Advocate K Paremeshwar, the Amicus Curiae in the forest cases matter related to tree felling.

The top court of the country directed the Registrar (Judicial) of the Telangana High Court to inspect the site and submit a report by 3:30 pm this afternoon.

The Bench further directed the Chief Secretary of the State to ensure that no tree felling took place in the area till further orders.

The Apex Court would hear the matter again at 3:45 pm.

Citing media reports, the Bench expressed its displeasure over the vast deforestation of Kancha Gachibowli forest in Telangana. A large number of trees were being felled in the forest area, which was home to around eight types of scheduled animals, it added.

Quoting newspaper reports, the top court of the country said that taking advantage of long holidays over the weekend, the authorities rushed to felling the trees.

Appearing for the State of Telangana, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi apprised the Bench that the Telangana High Court was also considering the issue. On April 2, 2025, the High Court passed a status quo order on the tree felling till April 3.