Centre: Asked for factual report from Telangana government on 400 Oaklands in Kancha Gachibowli

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) Centre has asked the state government to immediately provide a factual report on the 400-acre land in Kancha Gachibowli. In a letter addressed to the Additional Secretary (Forests), Telangana, Assistant Inspector General of Forests, MoEF&CC S Sundar said the ministry has come to know about illegal felling and removal of vegetation by the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) in Kancha Gachibowli village of Ranga Reddy district.

He said, “There have also been several reports in this regard in print and social media, alleging damage to the wildlife found in the land, its lakes, and the unique rock formations found in the area.” Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav also personally received various representations from MPs and other public representatives on the matter.

Thus, the State Government was requested to immediately provide a factual report on the issue and take legal action under the provisions of the Indian Forest Act or the local Forest Act, Wildlife Protection Act, and Forest (Protection and Augmentation) Act. The Ministry asked the State Government to ensure that there is no violation of any other Act or orders of courts and tribunals. It reiterated that a factual report and action taken report in this regard should be submitted to the Ministry.

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