SC should restore Kancha Gachibowli forest or jail officials

• The Supreme Court has given Telangana a choice between restoring the ruined Kancha Gachibowli forest or facing a “temporary prison” for its Chief Secretary and officials.

• Senior advocate A.M. Singhvi argues that the State should be persuaded to reconcile IT and ecology.

• Singhvi maintains that “thousands” of trees were not cut, citing photographs.

• A Forest Survey of India report reveals that over 60% of the 104 acres cut were moderately and heavily dense forests.

• Singhvi argues that the State’s intention to cut trees during a long weekend when courts were closed was bona fide.

• The case is scheduled for further hearing on July 23.