Latest news with #KanchaGachibowli
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Leaves little
Times of India's Edit Page team comprises senior journalists with wide-ranging interests who debate and opine on the news and issues of the day. In razing trees, what future are govts & people building? In the many heat islands we are ensconced these days, even air-conditioning is no leveller. Because in neighbourhoods with fewer trees, life is infinitely more unpleasant. And yet, forget govts, trees remain low priorities for even summer-tormented citizens. Whether it is Kancha Gachibowli in Hyderabad or Aarey in Mumbai, only a fraction of the metro populations mobilise to save the urban forests. Still, in their passion and determination, these small groups achieve important wins. In the Kancha Gachibowli case, SC has hauled up the Telangana govt for bulldozing 100 acres during a 3-day holiday, indeed through a Sunday night. Govts rarely work so industriously. But when it comes to clearing forests for various project works, they are aces at manoeuvring the labyrinth of rules and definitions. Sure, various cases also end up in the courts. But even that ends up working to the forests' disadvantage. For example, SC has cancelled the allotment of 30 acres of reserved forest land in Pune, valued at more than Rs 200cr, for just Rs 2cr to a housing society. This took place soon after SC banned such allotment in 1996. If rescue comes three decades later, what good does it do? SC has asked Telangana for a plan to 'restore' Kancha Gachibowli's 100 acres. Sadly, govts approach restoring forests too with brute instrumentalism. They contrive startling ideas such as raze a forest in Nicobar, 'compensate' it in Haryana. As if monoculture plantations are reasonable replacements for old-growth forests. People cut trees to extend their living space, govts for projects, worthy or dodgy. Both are ultimate losers. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email This piece appeared as an editorial opinion in the print edition of The Times of India.
Hans India
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Smita Sabharwal's tweet post transfer generates interest
Hyderabad: Finance Commission Secretary Smita Sabharwal made interesting comments after the government removed her from the Tourism Department stating, 'One has the right to their actions but not to its results.' Taking to X, Smita Sabharwal quoted a verse from Bhagawad Gita, stating, 'Karmanye vadhikaraste, ma phaleshu kadachana". She said that she strove hard in the Tourism Department for the last four months in bringing accountability. 'Karmanye vadhikaraste, ma phaleshu kadachana" #IAS. Spent 4 months in Tourism. Did my best! Brought in the long pending Tourism Policy 25-30, a first for the State. Will create a solid frame for direction and investment in neglected tourist circuits. Revamped the working style of the dept and tried to infuse accountability. Laid the foundation for the logistics and planning- for a global event which I am sure will open doors to many more! Pleasure and honor,' said Smita on her transfer. Recently, Sabharwal made a comment on social media questioning the government's stance on the Kancha Gachibowli land allotment issue in the suburbs of Hyderabad, which had become a topic of discussion. It is said that she was removed for posting against the government. She had received a notice from the police for re-tweeting a post on the Kancha Gachibowli issue.
