Satellite images show devastating images of  deforestation in Hyderabad’s Kancha Gachibowli area

Last week, trees spanning a notably vast region–referred to as the lungs of Hyderabad–were chopped down near the Hyderabad Central University campus to pave the way for an IT park. Satellite imagery verifies the widespread tree loss.

A geospatial examination of the forest area indicates that trees and greenery covering almost 2 sq km may have been cleared between March 30 and April 2. According to reports, approximately 50 earthmoving machines were utilized for the clearing operation in Kancha Gachibowli within Ranga Reddy district.

Demonstrations broke out shortly after the equipment was seen, as students hurried to the location, climbing on bulldozers and chanting slogans against the police and the state administration.

Following demonstrations by students, faculty of Hyderabad Central University, and environmentalists, the Telangana High Court and the Supreme Court on Thursday halted the clearing operation on the 400-acre property. Official statements indicate that the project is anticipated to draw investments totaling Rs 50,000 crore and create jobs for approximately five lakh individuals.

However, critics argue the environmental cost is too high, and a political row has erupted in the state over the issue. “If they don’t step back and change this decision, we will march to HCU with the people of Hyderabad in full force,” said Bharath Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Taraka Rama Rao (KTR), as he extended his party’s support to the protests.

KTR defended his previous government’s environmental record, stating: “We turned Hyderabad into a green city, earning national and international awards. Telangana became the number one state in India for green cover growth. We planted 270 crore saplings and increased Hyderabad’s green cover by 7.7%.”

The clash between police and demonstrators received broad criticism from student organizations and environmental advocates, who called for more decisive measures from the government to stop the degradation of green areas. On Thursday, the Supreme Court took notice of the situation on its own and issued a strict directive to stop all operations on the 400-acre site, allowing only actions to safeguard the current trees.

Voicing significant concern regarding the extensive deforestation, the court scrutinized the state government’s urgency and inquired if environmental permits had been secured prior to the land clearance.