Land Disputes and Ecological Concerns in India
Land disputes remain a significant challenge in India, compounded by ecological destruction, which hinders the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ or developed India.
Case Study: Telangana Land Dispute
The Telangana government recently faced opposition from citizens and students of the University of Hyderabad (UoH) regarding plans to auction land from the Kancha Gachibowli forested area to develop IT parks.
- Supreme Court Intervention:
- The Supreme Court intervened suo motu, staying all development activities until further notice.
- State Government's Proposal:
- Telangana CM Revanth Reddy proposed an ‘eco park’ instead, which involves relocating the UoH campus.
- Location and Technicality:
- The land is in a prime location in Hyderabad’s financial district, and although it was never officially demarcated as ‘forest’, it is part of a larger ecosystem.
Legal and Environmental Considerations
- Supreme Court Ruling:
- The 1996 ‘TN Godavarman Thirumulkpad vs Union of India & Others’ ruling states that land with forest cover is ‘forest land’, regardless of official notification, and is protected under the Forest Conservation Act 1980.
- Environmental Importance of Forests:
- Natural forests serve as carbon sinks, climate regulators, and provide ecosystem services.
- Artificial interventions, like eco parks, cannot replicate the richness of natural forests.
Sustainable Development and Climate Goals
India's commitment to climate goals and increasing forest cover necessitates the protection of areas like Kancha Gachibowli, potentially as a national park. Sustainable development should not be reduced to a mere catchphrase.
