Experts raise alarm after satellite images expose mass devastation in critical region: 'One more night, and it should be gone'
Deforestation has long been a major factor in our changing climate, which is why its impact is certainly noticeable in communities all around the world. For residents of Telangana, India, the destruction of a vital urban forest will cause untold damage.
The Telangana government in India had planned to auction off 400 acres of the Kancha Gachibowli forest land, which is located around the University of Hyderabad. Crews were sent in and ordered to clear the area, Telangana Today reported.
The intention was to build an IT park inside the cleared land. However, this was met by a large protest organized by university students, faculty, and environmentalists. The organized protest, accompanied by a Change.org petition, argues that they "are fighting for our planet" by preventing the destruction of Kancha Gachibowli.
Despite the public outcry, officials continued with the plans to clear the forest. From late March to early April, large swaths of Kancha Gachibowli were completely razed. Satellite imagery taken of the area and shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, demonstrated the rapid and complete destruction of hundreds of acres, according to India Today.
"A mere few days and it's nearly cleaned up. One more night, and it should be gone," the post on X said, per Telangana Today.
As noted by Mongabay India, Kancha Gachibowli can be described as an open natural ecosystem with "a mix of dry deciduous and wet deciduous forests, savannah, scrubland, rocky outcrops and more." The forest is also noted as one of the last remaining green spaces around Hyderabad.
According to estimates from the Economic Times, Kancha Gachibowli is home to over 220 species of birds, 734 species of flowering plants, 15 species of reptiles, 10 species of mammals, as well as numerous insects.
In the 2024 Forest Declaration Assessment report, deforestation took out around 6.37 million hectares in 2023. Deforestation can dramatically alter natural landscapes for crops and livestock, as the Forest Stewardship Council International explained, affecting our food chain. The destruction of trees can greatly increase the amount of carbon gas pollution as well, since trees naturally absorb carbon dioxide, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi commented on the destruction of Kancha Gachibowli, emphasizing the importance of the natural resource. "They are busy razing forests. Their acts resulted in damage of forest land and death of innocent animals that inhabited the Kancha Gachibowli lands," Modi said, per M9 News.
"The Congress is busy, busy killing a thriving forest by sending bulldozers."
Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty?
Definitely
Only in some areas
No way
I'm not sure
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
An Indian Supreme Court order has temporarily halted the destruction of the Kancha Gachibowli. In an effort to reverse their decision, Mongabay India reported that the Telangana government is now considering building a 2,000-acre eco-forest park instead. According to the report, the eco-park would be reminiscent of Central Park in New York City.
However, the proposed eco-park has been met with resistance. Akash Kumar, vice president of the University of Hyderabad Students' Union, criticized the idea of stripping the Kancha Gachibowli forest of its natural state.
"Why not leave that patch of land as it is? This is a natural forest, looked after by students from the beginning," Kumar told Mongabay India. "They can protect it without turning it into a tourist spot that can be tampered with."
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
President Jackson's legacy can be found throughout Middle Tennessee
MADISON, Tenn. (WKRN) — From schools, streets and neighborhoods, it seems like his name can be found on every corner. When you enter the zip code of 37076, it can feel like you're stepping back in time. President Andrew Jackson bought The Hermitage property in 1804. At first, he lived in his log cabin for 17 years before moving into the brick mansion. 'Andrew Jackson was probably one of the most well-known people in the United States of American during his day,' explained Tony Guzzi, Chief Experience Officer at The Hermitage. Andrew Jackson first moved to Tennessee to be the district attorney for the Nashville area. He became the major general for the Tennessee militia in 1802, catapulting Jackson in his career after his victory over the British at the Battle of New Orleans and eventually winning the presidential election in 1828. 'It was the first time an American army on its own defeated a British army that decisively…and so there was a great sense of relief and national pride wrapped up in Jacksons story,' Guzzi said. News 2 On Tour | Explore the communities that shape Middle Tennessee That national pride can still be felt today. 'It's one of the reasons we see the Jackson name and version of the Jackson name like Old Hickory or The Hermitage attached to so many different things in Middle Tennessee,' explained Jason Zajac, President and CEO of Andrew Jackson Foundation. From the state Capitol, to Hermitage, streets, neighborhoods, businesses, schools are named after him and his family. Old Hickory was Jackson's nickname. Donelson was the name of Jackson's father-in-law. 'Jacksonville, Florida…Jackson, Mississippi, all connections back to Andrew Jackson,' Zajac said. But when thinking back on his legacy, there were some troubling aspects in Jackson's life and American history. Neighborhood News: Stories impacting your community | Read More Jackson owned more than 300 slaves over the course of his life. News 2 visited several of the slave quarters on The Hermitage property. 'In his political years, he was an architect of Indian removal and relocation which had terrible consequences for the Native American population of course,' Zajac said. Today about 220,000 people visit The Hermitage from across the world to learn the history of the enslaved people and American history, learn about the property and pay their respects to our 7th president. 'Everybody's going to look at Jacksons legacy in retrospect now and they are going to have differing opinions on Jackson's legacy,' Guzzi said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Yahoo
John JD David Gates With deep sadness we announce the
Jun. 10—John JD David Gates With deep sadness we announce the passing of John David Gates (J.D.), 68, a dedicated advocate for Indigenous rights and representation, SAG actor, and respected educator. An enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, John died on February 27, 2025, leaving a legacy of contributions to federal Indian law and policy. Born in Gallup, New Mexico, John earned degrees from the University of New Mexico and the University of Iowa College of Law. He served as tribal prosecutor and judge pro tem for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and Pueblo of Laguna. John taught Native American Studies at the University of New Mexico, Cultural Studies at Central New Mexico Community College, and contributed to Indigenous education globally as a Fulbright Senior Scholar at the University of Bonn, Germany. He was a faculty member at the Evergreen State College in Tribal Governance and recently served with Albuquerque Public Schools supporting Native American students. John lived with a fierce joy recognizing that each moment in life is unique. He did not suffer fools gladly and was forever prepared to argue for equity and justice. He loved his friends dearly, and showed them a gentle kindness he did not often share with the world at large. John Gates, who was such a powerful presence in life, remains so in the hearts of those who loved him. He is survived by stepmother Alice Gates and half brother Edward Gates, both of Ohio, and by his friends and all whose lives he touched. A memorial service will be held at Los Duranes Community Center, 2920 Leopoldo Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM, on June 21, 2025 from 11 am to 1 pm. (Potluck donations appreciated.) In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to organizations supporting Indigenous education and legal advocacy.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Yahoo
John JD David Gates With deep sadness we announce the
Jun. 10—John JD David Gates With deep sadness we announce the passing of John David Gates (J.D.), 68, a dedicated advocate for Indigenous rights and representation, SAG actor, and respected educator. An enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, John died on February 27, 2025, leaving a legacy of contributions to federal Indian law and policy. Born in Gallup, New Mexico, John earned degrees from the University of New Mexico and the University of Iowa College of Law. He served as tribal prosecutor and judge pro tem for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and Pueblo of Laguna. John taught Native American Studies at the University of New Mexico, Cultural Studies at Central New Mexico Community College, and contributed to Indigenous education globally as a Fulbright Senior Scholar at the University of Bonn, Germany. He was a faculty member at the Evergreen State College in Tribal Governance and recently served with Albuquerque Public Schools supporting Native American students. John lived with a fierce joy recognizing that each moment in life is unique. He did not suffer fools gladly and was forever prepared to argue for equity and justice. He loved his friends dearly, and showed them a gentle kindness he did not often share with the world at large. John Gates, who was such a powerful presence in life, remains so in the hearts of those who loved him. He is survived by stepmother Alice Gates and half brother Edward Gates, both of Ohio, and by his friends and all whose lives he touched. A memorial service will be held at Los Duranes Community Center, 2920 Leopoldo Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM, on June 21, 2025 from 11 am to 1 pm. (Potluck donations appreciated.) In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to organizations supporting Indigenous education and legal advocacy.
