The Congress government has suffered a setback in the Supreme Court on the issue of Kancha Gachibowli lands. The Supreme Court has expressed its anger at the Revanth government for cutting down trees.
Justice BR Gavai has asked the state government to clearly state whether permissions were taken before cutting down the trees? He warned that the Chief Secretary and other officials would have to go to jail for cutting down trees without permission. If they want to save the Chief Secretary, he said that they have to tell how they will restore the hundred acres?
He also asked the government to tell how the restoration wil be done? How long will it take? He ordered them to clearly explain how the wildlife sanctuary will be protected. An interim order has been issued asking the state government to prepare a plan in four weeks. The next hearing has been postponed to May 15. Until then, the status quo has been imposed.
A two-judge bench headed by Justice BR Gavai took up the hearing on the Kancha Gachibowli lands issue on Wednesday.
Justice BR Gavai questioned whether permissions were taken before cutting down the trees? Responding to this, the lawyer on behalf of the government said that Jamail-like trees and shrubs were removed without taking permission. Justice BR Gavai expressed his anger at the decision and said not to justify the felling of trees.
He asked whether permissions were taken as per the guidelines given by the Supreme Court in 1996? He questioned why there was a rush to fell trees in three days during the weekend holidays? He deplored that dogs were attacking animals there because of the felling of trees and said that he was worried after watching those videos.
He clarified that there was no point in compromising on environmental protection and said that if necessary, orders would have to be given not to cut a single tree in 2400 acres. Justice Gavai warned that if they act against the Supreme Court guidelines, they would be left alone.
He said that they had nothing to do with the mortgage of lands. They were talking about the felling of trees. If they claim that there are no forests in Kancha Gachibowli, Justice BR Gavai expressed his anger that a jail would have to be built in the same area and officers would have to be posted there.