SC to Telangana: Restore forests near Hyd varsity or face action

The Bench Reviewed the State Govt's Affidavit on Bulldozing of About 100 Acres of Forest Land Near the Campus

- Ayesha Arvind

BENGALURU: The Supreme Court on Thursday said that the felling of trees near University of Hyderabad in Kancha Gachibowli Forest appeared to be "pre-planned" with the administration taking advantage of a long weekend, and asked the Telangana government to restore the forests or its officials could land in prison.

The bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai, questioned the "rush" for felling the trees over a weekend as it reviewed the state government's affidavit on the bulldozing of roughly 100 acres of forest land near the University campus.

"If it was a bona fide exercise, why not wait until Monday... Prime facie, it appears that it was all pre-planned. Bulldozers were deployed. Three days holidays coming and you took advantage as court would not be available," the CJI said.

State has to decide whether to restore the forest or be prepared for its officers to be sent to jail.

"It is up to the State whether it wants to restore the forest or not... State has to decide whether to restore the forest or be prepared for its officers to be sent to jail," CJI Gavai said.