The Supreme Court has warned Telangana to either restore the green cover or face the possibility of jail time.

Restore Green Cover or Face Jail, Supreme Court Warns Telangana Government

New Delhi — In a stern message aimed at holding state governments accountable for environmental degradation, the Supreme Court of India has issued a strong directive to the Telangana government: either restore the lost green cover in the state or prepare to face legal consequences, including possible imprisonment of responsible officials.

This hard-hitting warning came as part of a broader hearing on environmental conservation and deforestation, where the apex court expressed grave concern over Telangana’s failure to replant trees after razing large patches of forest land for developmental projects.

The bench, headed by Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice P.S. Narasimha, emphasized that the environment cannot be compromised in the name of development and that the state has a constitutional obligation to maintain ecological balance.

The Case That Sparked the Warning

The issue before the court centers around the destruction of thousands of trees in Telangana for various infrastructure projects, including the expansion of highways, urbanization schemes, and irrigation initiatives. Despite repeated court directives over the years to implement afforestation programs and compensate for the environmental loss, the state has allegedly failed to act with sincerity.

Environmental activists and NGOs had brought the matter to the Supreme Court after reports emerged that thousands of trees had been felled in the Kothagudem, Adilabad, and Warangal regions without adequate reforestation efforts.

“What happened to the trees that were cut down? Where are the compensatory plantations? Are you trying to fool the people of this country?” the court asked the state government during the hearing on Tuesday.

Supreme Court’s Strong Remarks

In unusually blunt language, the court lashed out at the Telangana administration for what it called "blatant neglect" of its duty to protect the environment. The bench noted that while development is important, it cannot be pursued at the cost of the environment and future generations.

“You cannot simply cut down trees and walk away. Restoration of greenery is not optional — it is mandatory,” said Justice Gavai. “If you cannot fulfill your environmental obligations, the law provides for consequences, including imprisonment.”

The court instructed the state to submit a detailed report within four weeks, outlining the number of trees cut down over the last five years, the location of those trees, and the status of compensatory plantations. The report must also include the survival rate of planted saplings, the names of officers responsible for monitoring reforestation, and steps being taken to improve the green cover.

Telangana’s Response

Appearing before the bench, the Telangana state counsel admitted that afforestation efforts had been “slower than expected” but argued that logistical challenges and land acquisition issues had delayed the process. He assured the court that the state government is committed to restoring the green cover and is already working on a strategic reforestation plan in consultation with environmental experts.

However, the court was not convinced by the state’s explanation.

“You had enough time. The environment cannot wait endlessly while the bureaucracy moves at a snail’s pace,” the bench responded. “You may soon find yourself in contempt of court if you fail to comply.”

The Legal Framework for Environmental Protection

India’s environmental laws, particularly the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 and the Environment Protection Act of 1986, require states to seek central approval before using forest land for non-forest purposes. They also mandate compensatory afforestation — meaning for every tree cut down, an equivalent number or more must be planted and maintained.

In addition, Article 48A of the Indian Constitution requires the state to protect and improve the environment, while Article 51A(g) makes it a fundamental duty of every citizen to protect the natural environment, including forests and wildlife.

The Supreme Court’s latest order falls squarely within this legal framework and reinforces the judiciary’s growing intolerance toward environmental violations.

A Pattern of Neglect?

This is not the first time Telangana has come under fire for failing to protect its forests. In 2022, the state government faced criticism after the controversial removal of over 10,000 trees in the name of “urban beautification” in Hyderabad. Environmentalists accused the government of conducting these operations without public consultation or adherence to environmental norms.

Earlier, in 2021, a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India flagged irregularities in compensatory afforestation projects in Telangana. The report found that a significant number of plantation sites were either not maintained properly or had extremely poor sapling survival rates.

“The state has consistently failed to take environmental compliance seriously,” said Dr. Raghav Nandan, an environmental lawyer based in Hyderabad. “This latest warning by the Supreme Court is long overdue. If the court enforces its threat, it will set a strong precedent.”

Voices From the Ground

Local environmental groups have welcomed the Supreme Court’s intervention, calling it a “lifeline for Telangana’s vanishing forests.”

“We’ve been pleading with the government for years to stop unchecked deforestation,” said Ayesha Khatoon, spokesperson for Green Telangana Movement, a grassroots collective. “Development projects are important, but not at the cost of forests that serve as carbon sinks, support biodiversity, and sustain local communities.”

Farmers and tribal communities, who depend on forest resources for their livelihood, have also raised concerns over declining forest cover.

“Our water sources are drying up, animals are disappearing, and the land is becoming barren,” said Ramulu, a farmer from the Bhadradri Kothagudem district. “We support development, but we also need trees to live.”

What’s at Stake?

Forests play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. They regulate rainfall, reduce air pollution, prevent soil erosion, and act as a buffer against climate change. Telangana’s forest cover, according to the India State of Forest Report 2021, was around 21% of its total geographical area — below the national average of 24.62%.

With rapid urbanization and industrial growth, Telangana has witnessed a steady decline in forested areas over the past decade. Experts warn that if the green cover continues to erode, the state could face serious ecological repercussions, including droughts, loss of biodiversity, and increasing temperatures.

“Forests are not just trees — they are entire ecosystems,” said Dr. Meera Das, a professor of environmental studies. “Once destroyed, they take decades or even centuries to regenerate. The court’s urgency is justified.”

What Happens Next?

The Supreme Court has given Telangana a four-week deadline to file a comprehensive status report on its afforestation efforts. Failure to do so, the court warned, will invite contempt proceedings, and responsible officials could be held personally liable.

Legal experts say this is a significant development in India’s environmental jurisprudence. By putting individual accountability at the forefront, the court is sending a message that ecological destruction will not be tolerated.

“This is a turning point,” said advocate Rohit Menon, who specializes in environmental litigation. “For too long, governments have taken environmental orders lightly. Now, with jail time on the table, the stakes are much higher.”

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s strong stance on environmental accountability has set the stage for a critical moment in Telangana’s governance. As the state prepares its response, the rest of the country — and indeed, the world — will be watching closely. Will this be a wake-up call for serious afforestation efforts, or will it lead to a prolonged legal battle?

In an age of escalating climate crises, the message from India’s highest court is clear: development cannot come at the cost of nature. It is no longer enough to promise reforestation. Action must follow — or consequences will.