The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a stern warning to the Telangana government over alleged large-scale deforestation in the Kancha Gachibowli forest region, cautioning the State of possible contempt proceedings and placing its administration on notice.

The matter was heard by a Bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih in a suo motu case relating to the clearing of dense forest land in the area.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the State, contended that all activities had ceased and “nothing is happening” on the ground. However, Senior Advocate K Parameshwar, relying on a Forest Services ground report, contradicted this, asserting that over 60% of the cleared area comprised moderately to heavily dense forest, raising grave environmental concerns.

The Chief Justice posed a direct query to the State: “Did you obtain environmental clearance? If not, we may initiate contempt. It’s better you take steps to restore the forest, otherwise, the Secretary will be held accountable.”

While Dr. Singhvi submitted that reforestation and plantation drives had already begun, Parameshwar pointed out that these efforts were not taking place in the same area that had been cleared. Seeking time, Singhvi requested the matter be listed after the court’s vacation in mid-July. However, the Court expressed sharp disapproval.

"You're trying to defend this? You took advantage of a long weekend to carry out such activities? Have you seen the photographs? A dozen bulldozers were used. Prima facie, this appears to be pre-planned,” the CJI remarked. He also questioned the timing of the activity: “If your intentions were bona fide, why begin this on a Monday right after a long vacation?”

When another counsel noted the absence of a restoration plan, the Chief Justice issued a stark warning: “If you want the Chief Secretary and half a dozen officers sent to a temporary prison, we can certainly order that. We've always supported sustainable development—but this is the felling of over 1,000 trees under the cover of a long break.”

The Court has now listed the matter for further hearing on July 23, directing the State to take concrete steps toward restoration and cautioning that further non-compliance could lead to serious consequences.

This is not the first time the apex court has taken the State to task. On April 3, the Court had already raised concerns over the Telangana government's actions in the area, after receiving a detailed report from the High Court Registrar (Judicial), which revealed extensive tree felling and the use of heavy machinery over approximately 100 acres.

The Registrar's report described the destruction of various forms of vegetation, including small to large trees, and highlighted the presence of wildlife such as peacocks and deer. The report also noted the proximity of a lake and the Hyderabad Central University (HCU) administrative building, alongside visible helipads near the deforested zone.

In response, the Court had directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to conduct a site inspection and submit its findings before April 16. The Registrar was also directed to conduct an interim site visit and file a report the same day.

In its earlier order, the Court had mandated that no activity other than the protection of existing trees shall be carried out by the State until further orders. The Bench had further warned: “In case we find that any of the directions issued by this court are not complied with in true letter and spirit, the Chief Secretary of the State of Telangana would be held personally responsible and proceeded against.”

The Supreme Court had also asked the State to respond to specific queries, including:

1. What was the compelling urgency to undertake development work and tree felling in the alleged forest area?

2. Whether the State had obtained an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate for such activities?

3. Whether the requisite permissions for felling trees were acquired from forest or local authorities?