Kancha Gachibowli: A Battle for Hyderabad’s Green Lungs
- The SAYS charitable trust
- Apr 6
- 3 min read
By Animal SAYS | April 6, 2025
The once-vibrant Kancha Gachibowli “forest” in Hyderabad is under siege. Recent events have escalated what was already a contentious debate over development versus conservation. At Animal SAYS, we stand in solidarity with the students, conservationists, and every citizen who believes in protecting our environment from unchecked industrial encroachment.
The Heart of the Controversy
Earlier this month, reports emerged detailing the aggressive clearing of over 100 acres of what is undeniably forest land. The destruction, disguised as “developmental activity,” has not only erased a habitat teeming with wildlife but also jeopardized the natural water reservoirs and centuries-old geological formations that make Kancha Gachibowli unique.
Recent court actions have thrown a spotlight on the issue. The Supreme Court, acting on a suo motu case, issued strict directives to the Telangana Chief Secretary. The court mandated a detailed affidavit by April 16 and has commissioned a Central Empowered Committee to thoroughly assess the extent of the damage. This decisive intervention sends a clear message: no one is above the law when it comes to safeguarding our natural resources.
Why Kancha Gachibowli Matters
Kancha Gachibowli is more than just a stretch of land—it is the green lung of a city grappling with urban sprawl and pollution. The area once echoed with the calls of peacocks, the rustle of deer in the underbrush, and the whisper of ancient trees. It housed crucial water bodies like Peacock Lake and Buffalo Lake, serving as catchments for Hyderabad’s drinking water reservoirs.
The current devastation is a stark reminder of the irreversible losses incurred when development trumps conservation. When we lose a forest, we lose an entire ecosystem—a network of life that sustains both nature and humanity.
New Developments and Their Implications
The latest updates in the case have only reinforced our belief in the need for accountability and environmental justice. The Supreme Court’s stern warning and its demand for comprehensive documentation highlight the gravity of the situation:
Immediate Halt on Destruction: Any further developmental activity in the area must be suspended until a full environmental audit is completed.
Accountability Measures: The directives underscore that state officials will face personal accountability if responsible parties are found to have ignored established environmental safeguards.
Restoration and Future Safeguards: Beyond halting current activities, there is an urgent need to restore the ecological balance of Kancha Gachibowli and to establish robust mechanisms to prevent such incidents in the future.
These developments underscore an evolving crisis that extends far beyond Hyderabad. They are a wake-up call to policymakers and the public alike about the critical importance of protecting our green spaces.
Our Stand: A Call for Action
At Animal SAYS, we believe that nature is not an endless resource to be exploited at will. It is a living, breathing entity that demands respect and protection. We stand with the students and environmental activists who have fearlessly challenged the status quo and demanded justice for Kancha Gachibowli.
We urge the authorities to:
Immediately cease all further destructive activities in Kancha Gachibowli.
Conduct a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before any further development.
Restore and rehabilitate the affected areas, ensuring that the rich biodiversity and critical water catchments are preserved for future generations.
Let this moment be a turning point. Let the battle for Kancha Gachibowli remind us that our environment is a legacy we must cherish and protect. Every tree, every stream, every creature plays a part in the intricate web of life that sustains our communities.
Join us in standing up for the green lungs of Hyderabad. Share your voice. Demand accountability. Protect nature.
Animal SAYS remains committed to fighting for environmental justice and echoing the calls of those who dare to challenge the forces of environmental degradation. Together, we can ensure a future where development and nature coexist harmoniously.
Jai Hind!
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