New Delhi: Chevella MP and BJP leader Konda Vishweshwar Reddy on Tuesday wrote a letter to Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, bringing to his attention the potential destruction of over 400 acres of forest land in Sy.No.25, located in Kancha Gachibowli Village, Serilingampally Mandal, in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district.
Reddy also expressed concerns over the ecological impact of clearing the forest, which he claims is home to diverse wildlife and valuable natural resources. He expressed concern over the irreversible damage the development would cause, both to the environment and to the local wildlife.
Ecologically significant forest with thick tree cover
Reddy further mentioned that the area, situated within his parliamentary constituency, is an ecologically significant forest with thick tree cover, grasslands, and unique rock formations. He further mentioned that apart from these the forest also contains water bodies like Buffalo Lake and Peacock Lake, attracting migratory birds.
“The forest is home to around 237 bird species, including peacocks, as well as several endangered species, such as the star tortoise, which is listed as vulnerable under the IUCN Red List. It also houses wild animals like spotted deer, wild boars, and several snake species, including the Indian rock python and boas,” his letter read.
Citing a 1996 SC ruling in the case TN Godavarman Thirumulpad v Union of India, he argued that the land qualifies as a “deemed forest” and should fall under the protective provisions of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. He stressed that this area, despite not being officially classified as a forest, meets the ecological characteristics of one and, therefore, should not be subject to development activities like land clearing.
‘Irreversible damage from development’
Reddy further pointed out that the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) has begun clearing trees and vegetation on the land to facilitate the development of a layout and auction the land, despite no approval from the Union government and the absence of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). He urged the Union minister to intervene and halt the “illegal activity”, to ensure the protection of the forest’s ecological wealth.
To emphasise his point, Reddy also referred to the Supreme Court’s view about the term ‘forest’. The apex court has said that a forest should be understood broadly to include areas that exhibit the characteristics of a forest, even if they have not been officially recognised or classified as such in government records.
