Telangana Chief Minister announced a high-level committee to address the Kancha Gachibowli land issue. The committee, led by ministers Bhatti Vikramarka, Sridhar Babu, and Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, will consult stakeholders
Published Apr 03, 2025 | 10:09 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 03, 2025 | 10:18 PM
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy (X)
Synopsis: In response to the Kancha Gachibowli land controversy, Telangana CM has announced a high-level committee to resolve the issue. The committee will consult with key stakeholders, including the Hyderabad Central University, JAC, and civil society groups. Ministers Bhatti Vikramarka, Sridhar Babu, and Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy will lead discussions to find a way forward.
In response to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Kancha Gachibowli land issue, Telangana Chief Minister on Thursday, 3 April, has announced the formation of a high-level committee to consult with key stakeholders and devise a resolution.
This comes as a huge step down for the Revanth Reddy government that had been continuing to raze green cover despite strong protests by students.
The committee, comprising ministers Shri Bhatti Vikramarka, Shri Sridhar Babu, and Shri Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, will engage with the Hyderabad Central University executive committee, Joint Action Committee (JAC), civil society groups, student delegations, and other concerned stakeholders to chart a way forward.
Telangana Government has decided to constitute a committee with group of ministers,
1. Shri. Bhatti Vikramarka garu
2.Shri. Sridhar Babu Garu and
3.Shri. Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy garu
to consult with –
a. Hyderabad Central…— Revanth Reddy (@revanth_anumula) April 3, 2025
The decision comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s stern stance against deforestation in the disputed 400-acre land parcel.
On 3 April, the apex court stayed the felling of trees, issuing a warning that the Telangana Chief Secretary, Shanthi Kumari, would be held personally liable for any violations. Expressing shock over large-scale deforestation, the court took suo motu cognizance of the matter and sought an explanation from the state government.
Earlier on 3 April, the Supreme Court had directed the Registrar (Judicial) of the Telangana High Court to conduct a site inspection and submit a report by 3:30 PM. Following the findings, the bench, comprising Justices BR Gavai and AG Masih, raised serious concerns about the environmental impact of the deforestation and demanded answers from the state government.
The Supreme Court listed five specific queries for the Telangana government:
The court explicitly directed, “Until further orders, no activity of any sort, except the protection of trees already existing, shall be undertaken by the state.” The Chief Secretary was warned of personal liability in case of non-compliance.
Advocate Gaurav Agarwal, representing Telangana, reiterated the government’s argument that the land in question is not a designated forest. However, the court remained unconvinced and questioned whether the government had obtained the required permissions to cut trees across 100 acres within a span of just two to three days. Justice Gavai reminded the government, “Howsoever high one may be, none is above the law.”
Meanwhile, the Telangana High Court has scheduled the next hearing on the Public Interest Litigations (PILs) related to the Kancha Gachibowli land auction for 7 April. Senior advocate AM Singhvi, appearing for the state, requested time to file a counter affidavit, which the court granted. Justice Sujoy Paul extended the stay on tree felling until the next hearing.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
