GUWAHATI: The Supreme Court has directed the Telangana government to immediately cease all activities—except those necessary to protect trees—on a land parcel adjacent to the University of Hyderabad, following growing student protests and concerns over large-scale deforestation.
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A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and Augustine George Masih took note of an interim report from the Telangana High Court, which painted an "alarming picture" of widespread tree felling in the area. The report confirmed that a significant number of trees had already been cut down, raising serious environmental concerns.
The Supreme Court directed the Telangana Chief Secretary to explain the pressing urgency behind the state government’s decision to proceed with development in the area. The bench further questioned whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate was obtained before initiating these activities.
The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on April 16.
Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court instructed the Telangana High Court's Registrar (Judicial) to conduct an immediate on-site inspection and submit a report on the situation.
The Congress-led Telangana government has proposed to develop IT infrastructure over 400 acres in the disputed land parcel. However, the move has sparked widespread opposition.
Students of the University of Hyderabad have launched massive protests, demanding the preservation of the green cover.
Political parties, including the BJP and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), have also opposed the government’s plans, citing environmental concerns and the need to protect Hyderabad’s ecological balance.
