Overview

• The Supreme Court rebuked Telangana for felling trees in Kancha Gachibowli during a long weekend, calling the actions preplanned and unlawful.
• Officials face potential jail time if the state fails to restore over 100 acres of deforested land, with the next hearing set for July 23.
• The Forest Survey of India reported that 60% of the felled area was moderately or heavily dense forest, highlighting significant ecological loss.
• The Telangana government claims compliance with court orders and announced an afforestation program, while reviewing a report from the Central Empowered Committee.
• Student protests and environmentalists continue to demand protection for the biodiverse forest, home to endangered species and ancient formations.