Hyderabad: BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi) leaders have accused the Telangana government, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, of causing serious environmental damage in Kancha Gachibowli. They submitted a detailed report to the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), claiming that illegal deforestation and violations of environmental laws took place in the area.
The BRS team, led by MLA T Harish Rao, gave an 11-page report along with nearly 200 pages of supporting documents. The report included information from University of Hyderabad (UoH) students, environmentalists, and nature activists who raised concerns about the destruction.
Speaking to the media, Harish Rao strongly criticized the government, saying forest land was being cleared secretly, even during festivals like Ugadi and Ramzan, and on Sundays to avoid public attention. He said thousands of trees were cut down without getting permission from the forest department or following the rules under the WALTA (Water, Land and Trees Act). Rao pointed out that even cutting a single tree on private land needs approval, but the government destroyed entire stretches of forest without following any rules.
Rao explained that WALTA rules require an application, a small deposit, and planting of two saplings for every tree cut down. However, none of these steps were followed in Kancha Gachibowli. He said nearly 50 bulldozers were used at night under police protection to remove trees. This action reportedly led to the death of three deer and forced wild animals into nearby human areas.
He also accused the government of breaking at least seven major laws. Rao demanded legal action against the Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary, and the police who supported the operation. He added that students from UoH who peacefully protested were arrested. The BRS leaders urged the CEC to declare the land as belonging to the University of Hyderabad and take strict action to stop further environmental damage.
