The Supreme Court’s order to halt tree felling in the Kancha-Gachibowli lands in Hyderabad could not have come at a more critical moment. The Telangana government has sanctioned a spree of deforestation in an area rich with flora and fauna – most notably the peacock, our National Bird.
In a region that once thrived with natural beauty, the heavy-handed approach of cutting down trees and levelling the land has forced countless animals to abandon their natural habitat. The High Court Registrar’s report is replete with images that testify to the devastation caused by heavy machinery, leaving behind a barren landscape where wildlife, including the peacock, once flourished.
It is especially disheartening when strict laws exist to protect the peacock – laws that impose severe penalties on those who harm the bird. Yet, despite these legal safeguards, the government has allowed the very habitat of the peacock to be obliterated in a reckless pursuit of so-called progress.
Shortsighted planning
The move by the state government to clear acres of forested land for IT parks raises serious questions about its commitment to environmental conservation. One cannot help but see this as an act steeped in corruption and short-term thinking. The official narrative presented by the government is one of progress and development. However, common knowledge and various reports reveal that such projects are rarely undertaken without some form of backhand dealing. The clearing of natural parks for concrete structures is not only environmentally irresponsible – it is also an affront to the legacy of natural heritage that the region proudly boasts. Instead of preserving our green cover, the administration under Revanth Reddy appears intent on sacrificing centuries of natural growth for immediate economic gains.
The government’s decision is baffling on multiple levels. Why would an administration choose to bulldoze a forested area that serves as a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna when there are numerous underdeveloped regions where land can be procured more easily? These far-flung areas, often government-owned, could provide the perfect alternative sites for IT parks without causing such widespread ecological damage.
Irreversible damage
In clearing the Kancha-Gachibowli lands, the government has not only disregarded environmental concerns but has also ignored the long-term implications of such actions. The loss of trees and natural habitats is irreversible – no amount of money, however vast, can restore the original ecosystem once it has been destroyed.
Furthermore, this decision reflects a disturbing trend of prioritising profit over preservation. The government’s actions signal a willingness to compromise on environmental integrity in favor of short-lived economic ventures. If proper environmental clearances were sought and due consultations held with forest officials, the outcome might have been different. Instead, the report raises critical questions: Were the necessary permissions obtained from the Environment Department? Were approvals secured from the forest authorities responsible for safeguarding these lands? And what exactly is being done with the felled trees? The answers to these questions are crucial, and if the state fails to provide satisfactory responses, then the punitive measures prescribed by the Supreme Court must be enforced without hesitation.
Revanth Reddy’s decision to proceed with this plan is a grave blunder that jeopardizes not only the environment but also the credibility of his administration. It is heartening that the Supreme Court has stepped in to prevent further environmental degradation. The intervention serves as a reminder that in a democracy, unchecked government actions can and must be held accountable. The hope now lies in ensuring that the full impact of these actions is thoroughly investigated and that those responsible are made to answer for the irreversible damage inflicted upon our natural heritage.
