By The Sampadak Express
Viral videos on social media are bringing attention to the controversial destruction of 400 acres of forest land in Hyderabad, as several birds, including peacocks, are heard howling in distress. The videos, which have sparked outrage, show the emotional toll on wildlife as their natural habitat is bulldozed for a proposed IT park in the area. The deforestation of the Kancha Gachibowli forest has resulted in widespread protests, particularly from students of the University of Hyderabad, who have taken to the streets in opposition to the move.
The Destruction of Kancha Gachibowli Forest
The Telangana government’s decision to raze the Kancha Gachibowli forest has been met with fierce opposition from environmentalists and citizens alike. The forest, which spans a significant area of 400 acres, is being cleared to make way for the development of an IT park. However, the decision has drawn criticism for its environmental impact, as it involves the destruction of valuable green space and threatens the local wildlife.
A video circulating on social media shows the haunting cries of birds, particularly peacocks, as bulldozers and JCB machines tear through the forest, leaving behind a barren landscape. The emotional sound of the birds has stirred widespread concern, with many criticizing the act as a reckless disregard for nature and wildlife. KT Rama Rao, a prominent political figure, shared the video on X (formerly Twitter), calling the destruction of the forest a “brazen green murder.” He condemned the government for destroying 400 acres of what he described as “precious lung space” in western Hyderabad, highlighting the plight of the peacocks crying out for help.
Protests and Public Outcry
The environmental devastation has sparked protests across Hyderabad, with students from the University of Hyderabad leading demonstrations against the government’s actions. Protesters have expressed their anger over the destruction of the forest and the displacement of wildlife. The protests have also gained momentum online, with environmentalists and concerned citizens raising their voices against the administration’s decision.
The Role of the Supreme Court
Amid growing public outcry, the Supreme Court intervened in the matter on Thursday, taking suo-motu cognizance of the large-scale tree felling. The Court ordered that no further trees should be felled until further notice, halting the deforestation efforts for now. A bench of Justices BR Gavai and AG Masih directed the Registrar (Judicial) of the Telangana High Court to visit the site and submit an interim report by 3:30 pm on Thursday, providing a detailed account of the situation.
As of now, it is reported that over 400 trees have already been cut down, and satellite images from March 28 and April 2 show a rapid clearing of the forested land. The deforestation has triggered not only local protests but also nationwide condemnation, with many questioning the government’s priorities in pursuing urban development at the expense of the environment.
Central Government’s Involvement
In a related development, the Centre has stepped in, seeking a factual report from the Telangana government regarding the tree felling. Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav criticized the state government’s actions, calling the destruction of the forest an “unfortunate incident.” He expressed disbelief over the state’s apparent indifference to the environment, especially as the operation took place at night, away from public scrutiny.
During the Question Hour in Rajya Sabha, Yadav stated, “I fail to understand what kind of enmity the state government has with those trees and the green area that they had to conduct an operation during the dark of the night.” He also pointed out the adverse effects on wildlife, particularly the displacement of species like the peacock. Yadav emphasized that the Centre had sent a notice to the chief secretary of Telangana and demanded a factual report on the matter. He assured that the Centre would take appropriate action once the details were received.
Moving Forward
The issue is far from resolved, and as the protests continue, there are growing calls for the government to halt the deforestation efforts permanently. With the Supreme Court’s intervention, there is a temporary pause in the destruction, but the matter is expected to be closely monitored in the coming days.
As the debate over urban development versus environmental preservation intensifies, the fate of the Kancha Gachibowli forest and its wildlife hangs in the balance. With the situation unfolding rapidly, further developments are awaited, particularly with regard to the government’s response to the Centre’s notice and the findings of the Telangana High Court’s investigation.
