Report by-
SHASHWATT SRIVASTAVA
In early April 2025, the Telangana government’s decision to cut down around 400 acres of forest land in Hyderabad’s Kancha Gachibowli area stirred nationwide debate. The land was to be cleared for the construction of IT parks, intending to generate lakhs of jobs and attract thousands of crores in investment. While the government saw this as a step toward economic progress, the move sparked protests and raised serious environmental concerns.
A Forest at Risk
Kancha Gachibowli is one of the last surviving urban forests in Hyderabad, covering about 2,000 acres. It is home to more than 230 species of birds, such as the Indian Roller and Oriental Skylark. Animals like spotted deer, wild boars, porcupines, and Indian rock pythons live here. The forest is the only known home of a rare spider species called Murricia hyderabadensis, which was discovered in 2010.
The area also has more than 700 types of flowering plants, like the Flame of the Forest and wild jasmine. This rich plant life helps clean the air, cools the surrounding areas, and supports many life forms. Experts say that removing the forest could raise local temperatures by up to 4 degrees celsius and worsen air pollution.
Between March 30 and April 2, 2025, satellite images showed that nearly 2 square kilometers of forest had already been cleared. This fast-paced deforestation is alarming because the forest has a key role in storing rainwater, preventing floods, and keeping Hyderabad’s lakes and groundwater healthy. Once destroyed, the balance it provides to both nature and human life will be very hard to bring back.
Community Response
The Telangana government’s decision to auction forested land in Kancha Gachibowli ignited widespread protests, particularly among students and local residents. On March 30, 2025, as heavy equipment arrived to begin the clearing, students from the University of Hyderabad (UoH) attempted to stop the operation, leading to a tense standoff. Police detained 53 students that day, with two facing formal arrests and judicial custody.
The following day, the situation escalated as students intensified their demonstrations, demanding the immediate cessation of deforestation activities. In collaboration with other student organisations, the University of Hyderabad Students’ Union (UoHSU) called for an indefinite strike, urging the removal of police forces and construction equipment from the vicinity. They also sought assurances that the disputed land would be officially recognised as part of the university’s domain.
These protests received support from various quarters, including environmental activists and political figures. However, the government’s response was stringent. Beyond the initial detentions, law enforcement maintained a heavy presence around the campus, leading to further confrontations and arrests in the coming days.
Supreme Court Steps In
On April 3, 2025, the Supreme Court of India stepped in after hearing the reports of rapid tree cutting in Kancha Gachibowli. A bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and A.G. Masih ordered an immediate stop to all tree-felling and construction work. They were concerned that such a large-scale clearing had started without proper environmental checks.
The Court asked the Telangana High Court’s registrar to visit the site and report back the same day. The report said that around 100 acres had already been cleared. It also raised concerns about animals like deer and peacocks being affected and a nearby lake being at risk.
The Supreme Court asked the Telangana Chief Secretary to explain by April 16 why the deforestation was so urgent and whether the right permissions were taken. The Court also told an expert committee to study the area and give a separate report.
The judges said that even if a forest is not officially listed, the presence of wildlife and trees means it should be protected. This decision has been welcomed by many as a strong step in protecting the environment while reminding governments to follow proper rules before taking big actions.
Voices from the Ground
Environmental activist Himanshu Kumar from Delhi strongly opposed the plan. “We must protect our green cover under all circumstances. Forests should never be cut for profit or corporate greed,” he said in conversation with us. He also criticised the political hypocrisy surrounding the issue. “When people protest peacefully, it is the true test of democracy. Unfortunately, even parties that claim to uphold democratic values often fail when it comes to protecting the environment.”
Kumar further explained that replacing a natural forest with an eco-park is not a real solution. “You can’t recreate a forest by planting a few trees. An actual forest has layers of life from small grasses and shrubs to large trees and insects, birds, and animals. Once destroyed, it’s nearly impossible to bring back.”
In Lucknow, Climate activist Paresh Pandey, also an entrepreneur running an agriculture startup, voiced deep concerns about the Telangana case. He drew parallels with a similar situation currently in Lucknow’s Kukrail forest, where the state government has approved a Night Safari project that could result in large-scale tree cutting. “We filed a PIL and have been protesting peacefully. These forests are essential not only for animals but for humans as well.”
Pandey believes that if the government is serious about environmental repair, it should consider using the Miyawaki technique, a method of afforestation that allows for the rapid growth of dense, native forests. “We used this method in Lucknow in 2021 and turned barren land into a green patch within a few years. Instead of building an eco-park for show, they should bring back the forest using this technique.”
He also raised important questions about job creation. “Yes, development and jobs are important, but at what cost? If animals lose their homes and temperatures rise every year, what kind of future are we creating? We need to think 20 years ahead, not just five.”
A Larger Pattern
The Telangana case is not the first of its kind. Across India, similar patterns of development projects clashing with environmental preservation have emerged. In Chhattisgarh, for instance, the Hasdeo Arand forest has seen widespread protests against coal mining activities that threaten tribal lands and biodiversity. These cases point to a growing tension between the country’s economic ambitions and the urgent need to conserve its natural heritage.
Finding Balance
Both activists agree that the solution lies in awareness and action. Paresh Pandey emphasised the need for open conversations with government officials and more public participation. “The public must be made aware of what’s happening. People need to visit these places and see what’s at stake. Only then will they truly understand why these forests matter.”
Kumar added that society needs to rethink its priorities. “We’re caught up in caste issues, politics, and daily struggles, but we need to shift our focus toward the environment, health, and education. Only then can we stop this kind of destruction.”
