Guwahati, July 23 -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday came down heavily on the Telangana government over the large-scale tree felling in the Kancha Gachibowli forest area of Hyderabad, stating that such actions cannot be justified under the guise of sustainable development.

Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, who is heading the three-judge bench hearing the suo motu case, said, "I am myself an advocate for sustainable development but that doesn't mean that overnight you should employ 30 bulldozers and clear all the jungle." The bench was hearing the matter concerning the clearing of forest land located near the University of Hyderabad (UoH) campus in Ranga Reddy district.

The court adjourned the hearing to August 13, allowing time for...