Union environment ministry seeks report from Telangana on felling of trees in Kancha Gachibowli

Hyderabad: Amidst the row over proposed auction of 400 acres in Kancha Gachibowli, the Union ministry of environment, forests and climate change (MoEFCC) has sought a factual report on the "illegal" removal of vegetation in the area by the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC). In a communication to the Telangana forest department, assistant inspector general of forests S Sundar said the ministry had received a complaint regarding "illegal cutting of trees" in the area. It also cited various reports in print and social media alleging damage to wildlife, lakes and unique rock formation in Kancha Gachibowli."An immediate factual report on this matter is requested. Legal action should be taken under the Indian Forest Act, Wildlife Protection Act, and the Forest (Conservation and Enhancement) Act, ensuring no violation of court or tribunal orders," the communication said. However, no timeline was given to the Telangana forest department for giving the report.The letter comes a day after representations from Union ministers G Kishan Reddy, Bandi Sanjay Kumar and other BJP MPs expressing concern over the ecological sensitive region around the University of Hyderabad. On Tuesday, Kishan Reddy, Sanjay, Eatala Rajender, D Arvind had met education minister Dharmendra Pradhan to look into the issue of Kancha Gachibowli land parcel. The minister later posted on social media that the matter would be looked into. Meanwhil, BJP MP N Raghunandan Rao asked chief minister A Revanth Reddy to explain how he could auction the land when he had opposed it earlier when BRS was in power.