As Hyderabad university row spirals, scanner on Revanth Reddy govt

The Telangana government headed by chief minister A Revanth Reddy has come under attacks from all sides — judiciary, central government, environmentalists, students, academics, opposition parties and even the film fraternity — for its decision to auction 400 acres of disputed land at Kancha Gachibowli in Rangareddy district adjoining the University of Hyderabad.

- Srinivasa Rao Apparasu

HYDERABAD:

The Supreme Court on Thursday took up suo motu cognisance of the reports of the extensive deforestation in the disputed land affecting wildlife and water bodies by deploying heavy machinery. The apex court directed Telangana chief secretary Santhi Kumari to immediately stop all activity in the area, till proper environmental impact assessment is done and necessary approvals are obtained.

A bench comprising justices Bhushan R Gavai and AG Masih registered a suo motu case on the issue, warning that "in case any of the directions issued by us are not complied with in true letter and spirit, the chief secretary of the state shall be held personally liable."

On the other hand, the Telangana high court heard the arguments for the second consecutive day on Thursday, on two separate public interest litigations (PILs) filed by non-governmental organisation Vata Foundation and University of Hyderabad students' union. The HC also extended a stay on all kinds of activity in the disputed land and posted the case to April 7 for further hearing.

On Wednesday, assistant inspector general of forests in the Union ministry of environment and forests S Sundar wrote a letter to the additional secretary of forests of Telangana government asking to submit a factual report on the alleged illegal felling of trees in 400 acres of land at Kancha Gachibowli village to the Union ministry.

In the letter, which was seen by HT, Sundar directed the government to take legal action under the provisions of Indian Forest Act or local Forest Act, Wildlife Protection Act and the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, as applicable. "Please ensure that there is no violation of any other acts or orders of various courts and tribunals," Sunder said, adding that the factual report and action taken report be submitted to the Union ministry immediately.