Even as the proposed auction of 400 acres at Kancha Gachibowli created a political row, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has asked the Telangana Government to provide a factual report on the issue immediately, with full details. It also wanted the State to send an action taken report at the earliest.

In a letter to the Additional Chief Secretary (Forests) of Telangana, the Union Ministry directed the State Government to take legal action under the provisions of the Indian Forest Act (or local Forest Act), Wildlife Protection Act, and the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, as applicable.

“You must ensure that there is no violation of any other Acts or orders of the Courts and Tribunals in this regard. It is reiterated that a factual report and an action taken report in this regard shall be submitted to the Ministry as requested above,” the letter said.

The Ministry said it received information about “the illegal felling and removal of vegetation at the plot by the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC).”

It also cited reports in the media about the alleged damage to the wildlife, unique rock formations and lakes in the area.

“The Minister has received several representations from Members of the Parliament and other public representatives recently about the alleged violations,” it said.

High Court

Meanwhile, the Telangana High Court has directed the State Government officials not to clear trees and do levelling of the land till tomorrow (Thursday). The court gave this direction while hearing two public interest litigations.

The State government’s decision to develop the 400-acre abutting the IT Hub of Gachibwli triggered an uproar with the students of the University of Hyderabad, environmental activists and the Opposition parties strongly opposing the move.

The government deployed a heavy police force at the site and resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the agitating students.