The Telangana government has intensified efforts to resolve the Kancha Gachibowli land dispute by considering relevant court verdicts. A committee of ministers comprising Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka, D. Sridhar Babu, and Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy has been formed. Deputy CM Bhatti will soon meet senior officials from CS, Revenue, GHMC, Forest, and HMDA departments. A meeting with student unions, civic organizations, and environmentalists is expected soon.
The Supreme Court has ordered Chief Secretary Shanthi Kumari to submit a report by the 16th of this month. It warned that failure to comply could result in personal accountability, including jail time. The government is also considering establishing an eco-park in Kancha Gachibowli.
During a recent hearing, the bench comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih criticized large-scale tree cutting and the use of heavy machinery. Photographic evidence indicated the displacement of wildlife, including peacocks and deer. Senior advocate Gaurav Agarwal argued that the disputed land is not under forest department jurisdiction, but the bench rejected his claim.
The Supreme Court has issued a stay on all activities in the area until further orders. It also instructed the Chief Secretary to provide a comprehensive report addressing five key questions regarding environmental assessments, permissions, and the expertise of officials involved.
The next hearing is scheduled after the submission of the affidavit by the 16th.
