The Kancha Gachibowli land dispute in Hyderabad has taken a legal turn as the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has filed a formal complaint with the Telangana Forest Department, accusing authorities of illegal deforestation and environmental violations. Amid growing concerns over rapid urbanization at the cost of ecological balance, the Telangana High Court (HC) has stepped in, ordering a temporary halt to tree felling in the area.
The controversy highlights a critical conflict between environmental preservation and urban development, raising questions about government policies, legal compliance, and sustainable planning.
BRS Takes a Stand Against Deforestation
On April 2, 2025, BRS leaders, led by RS Praveen Kumar, lodged a complaint against the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC), accusing it of large-scale deforestation to pave the way for real estate projects.
According to the complaint, the government’s actions have led to:
- Destruction of forests and displacement of wildlife, violating environmental laws.
- Breaches of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
- Threats to biodiversity, increased soil erosion, and water pollution due to habitat destruction.
BRS leaders have demanded immediate cessation of all activities on the 400-acre land and a thorough investigation into the illegal encroachments. They have also called for criminal proceedings against those responsible and the seizure of vehicles and equipment used in deforestation.
Telangana High Court Intervenes
In response to the escalating dispute, the Telangana High Court ordered a temporary halt to tree felling at Survey No. 25, Kancha Gachibowli, on April 2, 2025. This decision came after a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed by the Vata Foundation and students from Hyderabad Central University (HCU), who urged the court to declare the land as a national park to preserve its ecological significance.
Legal Arguments in Court
During the court hearing:
- Advocate L. Ravishankar, representing HCU, argued that the Telangana government had violated environmental laws by allocating the land to TGIIC without proper ecological assessments.
- He pointed out that the area is rich in biodiversity, home to rare species of plants and animals, mushroom-shaped rock formations, and natural water bodies like the Buffalo and Peacock lakes.
- He also cited GO 54 (Government Order 54) issued in June 2024, under which the state government had allocated 400 acres of land to TGIIC, despite its environmental significance.
Government’s Defense
The Telangana Advocate General (AG) Sudarshan Reddy, representing the state government, countered the claims by stating:
- The land was not classified as forest land and had been previously allocated to IMG Academy in 2004, but was later reclaimed after the project failed.
- He argued that if the court ruled in favor of the petitioners, many urban projects in Hyderabad could come to a standstill, as wildlife presence exists across various regions.
- “If we follow this logic, no development can take place anywhere in Hyderabad,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of urban expansion.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the High Court directed authorities to halt all development activities on the land until April 3, 2025, when the next hearing is scheduled.
What’s at Stake?
The Kancha Gachibowli row represents a larger debate over urbanization vs. environmental conservation in Hyderabad, a city that is rapidly expanding with new infrastructure projects.
- Environmentalists argue that unchecked deforestation and urban expansion threaten local ecosystems and accelerate climate change.
- Real estate and industrial groups emphasize the economic benefits of development, including job creation and modernization.
As the legal battle unfolds, the next High Court hearing on April 7 will determine the future of the land and whether authorities must take stricter environmental precautions before allowing further construction.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar disputes across India, where urbanization is often pursued at the expense of green spaces.