Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Tajinder Bagga launched a sharp attack on Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, putting up hoardings across Delhi criticizing the alleged felling of trees in Kancha Gachibowli, a forested area near Hyderabad University in Telangana.
The bold hoardings read:
“Rahul Gandhi ji please stop cutting down our jungles in Telangana.”
Bagga’s campaign comes amidst rising concerns over the clearing of green cover in the region, which has sparked public outcry and prompted Supreme Court intervention.
⚖️ Supreme Court Steps In
On April 3, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the felling of trees in the Kancha Gachibowli forest area and immediately stayed all tree-cutting activity. The apex court also issued a stern warning to the Chief Secretary of Telangana, holding them personally accountable for compliance with its orders.
A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and Augustine George Masih said:
“This is a very serious matter. Can’t take law into your own hands.”
The Court ordered:
- No further activity at the site except for protecting existing trees.
- The Chief Secretary must file an affidavit explaining:
- The urgency behind the developmental activity.
- Whether Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) or requisite forest permissions were obtained.
The Court also tasked the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) with visiting the site and submitting a report by April 16.
📸 Eyewitness Report Paints Grim Picture
The bench reviewed a report submitted by the Registrar (Judicial) of the Telangana High Court, who personally visited the location. The report included photographs and key findings, stating that:
“Huge developmental activity was being undertaken in the forest area.”
The court observed:
- Mass tree felling underway across nearly 100 acres.
- Heavy machinery deployed to clear the land.
- Presence of wildlife, including peacocks, deer, and birds, indicating an active forest habitat.
🌳 A Forest Under Threat
The disputed land falls within Hyderabad’s IT corridor, making it prime real estate and fueling tensions between development and environmental preservation. Local residents and environmentalists have expressed grave concern over the loss of green cover and displacement of wildlife.
The controversy now threatens to snowball into a political flashpoint, with Tajinder Bagga directly targeting Rahul Gandhi and linking the opposition leader to the state’s actions under the Congress-led Telangana government.