On April 2,2025, in the quiet of the night, many bulldozers uprooted hundreds of trees in the 400 acres of forest in Hyderabad’s Kancha Gachibowli. Close to 100 acres of land was scrubbed free of the centuries old trees. The video of India’s national bird, Indian peafowl crying for help along with spotted deers running for cover went viral on social media. The forest, adjacent to the Hyderabad University Campus, also serves as green lungs for the tired city, besides being home to rare species and precious fossils.
The Telangana Government wants to sell off the land to develop an IT park and pay off a INR 10,000 crore mortgage. The campus authorities, student unions and concerned citizens went on protest marches, and the government arrested 50 students after lathi charge.
Environmentalists and citizen groups have raised red flags about the loss of tree cover, soil erosion, increased heat island effect, and the long-term impact on local biodiversity. Rapid urbanization poses severe risks to groundwater recharge and public health. Protests, call for action by environmentalists and public interest litigations emerged, calling for a halt to further deforestation and demanding a transparent environmental impact assessment.
After weeks of failed talks with Hyderabad University Campus and imprisonment of students, the Supreme Court intervened. It passed an order to halt the work, the upheaval caused by the state government, in the name of development. The state government has since formed a panel to find a solution.
- The Power of Collective Action: India’s Environmental Movements
- Key Environmental Movements
- The Urgent Challenges of Today
- A Legacy to Uphold
This isn’t the first time Indians have had to fight for environment protection. And this is more crucial now, as ecological degradation has hampered daily lives.
India, a nation of immense population density, faces the acute pressure of resource exploitation. Deteriorating air and water quality, coupled with compromised food security, have become critical concerns over the past decade. Our planet is sending urgent signals. Unprecedented floods, devastating forest fires, powerful earthquakes, and scorching heatwaves paint a stark picture of shifting climate patterns.
The Power of Collective Action: India’s Environmental Movements
Environmental movements—defined as social or political efforts dedicated to conservation and ecological improvement, also known as “green movements” or “conservation movements,” advocate for the sustainable management of natural resources. These movements push for policy changes centered on ecology, health, and human rights, ranging from highly organized institutions to grassroots initiatives, and their scope varies from local to global.
Key Environmental Movements
Throughout the past centuries, India has seen numerous calls to protect its natural heritage. Here are some pivotal movements:
The Bishnoi Movement (1700s): was started by Amrita Devi and the Bishnoi community to protect sacred trees from being felled by royal soldiers in Khejarli, Rajasthan. Amrita Devi and 363 villagers sacrificed their lives, however the movement led to a royal decree protecting the region’s flora and fauna.
The Chipko movement (1970 and 1980s): was a grassroots environmental movement in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand (then part of Uttar Pradesh). It primarily focused on protecting forests from logging and deforestation, involving villagers hugging trees to physically prevent loggers from cutting them down. This movement started as a response to the devastating flood of 1970.
Sunderlal Bahuguna led the Chipko movement, and later led the Tehri Dam movement from 1984-2000. In 1974, Gaura Devil led the group of women who first defended the forest and pioneered the Chipko movement with women leading the way.
Chandi Prasad Bhatt, 88, an environmentalist and social activist, popularised the Chipko movement, and was awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize in 2013.
The Chipko movement led to the amendment of the Forest Act of 1927 and adoption of the Forest Conservation Act 1980.
Loktak Lake Conservation Movement: a multi-faceted effort to protect and restore the Loktak Lake ecosystem in Manipur, India, driven by a combination of government initiatives, non-governmental organizations, and community involvement.
In 1999, Loktak Lake communities in Manipur faced brutal military action, accused of aiding insurgents. Soldiers tortured and detained residents, highlighting a history of government control. Earlier, the Loktak Hydropower Project displaced communities without compensation, sparking resistance. A movement formed, challenging the project’s environmental and social impacts, citing erosion, weed growth, and disrupted livelihoods. Despite a lengthy legal battle and NHCP’s refusal to compensate, the struggle drew attention from human rights and anti-dam activists, highlighting the conflict between development and community rights.
The movement was revived in 2006 and it focuses on addressing issues like water management, habitat restoration, sustainable livelihoods, and awareness campaigns to ensure the long-term health of the lake and its dependent communities.
Save the Western Ghats Movement: started in 1986, is an ongoing movement. It started as Appiko Movement (following the Chipko movement) by Pandurang Hegde. Later, more organisations joined hands.
The Western Ghats Movement aimed to raise awareness about the importance of the Western Ghats mountains and the threats they were facing from deforestation, pollution, and development projects. In 1987-1988, the movement organized a large foot march along the Ghats involving over 150 organizations and hundreds of participants. It culminated in a major conference that outlined demands to protect the Ghats, including opposing specific industrial and infrastructure projects that were damaging forests and communities.
Vedanta/Sterlite Protests (Thoothukudi Movement, 2018): This movement was started by the local fishermen groups in 1994, ever since the permission of establishment of Sterlite Copper plant, owned by Vedanta Limited, was given by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. Sporadic protests had occurred in Thoothukudi since 1999 until it led to a massacre in 2018. Protesters opposed the soil, water and air contamination caused by the factory. The plant was shut down eventually. However, during Covid-19, the Supreme Court of India allowed Vedanta Limited to operate its oxygen production unit at its Sterlite Copper premises in Thoothukudi to meet the national demand for oxygen.
Save Aarey Movement (2019–2023): This citizen-led movement started with tribal activist Prakash Bhoir and his wife Pramila protesting against the felling of trees for constructing a 33 hectare-Metro 3 car shed at Aarey land. And for nine years, Mumbaikars and tribal communities fought to save Aarey forest from concrete urban projects.
Save Aravalli Movement (2018–present): This is also a citizen-driven movement to save the Aravallis from destruction by mining, real estate, illegal encroachments, dilution of protective laws, toxic landfills, waste to energy plants and other degradation activities. The Aravalli mountain range stretches for about 700 km across 4 states, starting from Gujarat, traversing through Rajasthan, Haryana and ending in Delhi. The demand is that the range be seen as one living ecosystem and declared a permanent biosphere reserve. This billions of years old mountain range is North West India’s climate regulator, shielding against desertification. It is a critical water recharge zone, biodiversity hotspot and wildlife corridor.
The Urgent Challenges of Today
The Great Nicobar Project: A Fragile Paradise at Risk
The Great Nicobar Island Project—which includes a transshipment port, airport, and township development—is being promoted as a strategic infrastructure endeavour, promising economic growth for the region. However, it comes at the cost of over 130 square kilometres of pristine rainforest and the displacement of indigenous Shompen and Nicobarese communities. Environmentalists warn of irreversible harm to coral reefs, nesting grounds of leatherback turtles, and endemic flora. Critics argue that the ecological cost of this mega-project outweighs its economic promise. The controversy has sparked international attention, including appeals to UNESCO and global conservation bodies.
Save Dol Ka Badh forest in Jaipur
Another movement that has gained momentum is ‘Save Dol Ka Badh forest‘ in Jaipur. This movement is a response to proposed development projects, including a Fintech Park and shopping mall, by RIICO (Rajasthan Industrial Development and Investment Corporation). Environmentalists and citizens are concerned that clearing the 100-acre forest will harm biodiversity, worsen Jaipur’s already poor air quality, and disrupt the city’s delicate ecosystem. This forest is home to diverse flora and fauna, including over 2500 trees, 74 bird species, and the last population of wild nilgais in the city.
A Legacy to Uphold
The increasing frequency of natural disasters underscores the urgent need for sustainable practices. The voices of grassroots leaders, indigenous communities, scientists, and conscious citizens are essential in shaping this balance. In a time of climate crisis, India’s legacy of environmental action must not only be remembered—it must be reignited. Support local environmental groups, sign petitions, and advocate for sustainable policies to ensure that the voices for the Earth continue to be heard for generations to come.
I’m participating in #BlogchatterA2Z
You may like to read
Chandigarh Rock Garden Concern: Why Public Art Matters
Bhimtal: The Emerald Beauty in Uttarakhand
Chambal Valley: Outlaws, Temples & Tales of the Ravines
Navigating Eco-Anxiety & the Mental Impact of Environmental Loss
Enhancing Biodiversity: Why We Need More Butterflies
Will Dhanauri Wetlands Become Noida’s Lost Eden?
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mister Tikku.
Queen of Treasures 
I feel stunned reading about such things – it’s shameful how even a little bit of greenery hurt people’s eyes and all they think of monetary profits. Don’t trees and a fully functioning ecosystem bring profit too, in terms of health and wholesomeness of earth? This is so sad. Thanks for sharing this article. Very illuminating.
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It’s really heart wrenching to see all this decline of values, ecological ethos. I hope one day, we come to an era when the world wakes up to the beauty that we live are surrounded by and how we can’t take care of it.
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The account of the Kancha Gachibowli forest being razed overnight was both heartbreaking and infuriating. Seeing videos of peacocks crying and deer fleeing their habitat made me question the true cost of so-called development. It’s alarming how decisions are made without considering the long-term environmental impact, especially in a city like Hyderabad that desperately needs its green spaces. The article’s mention of historical movements like Chipko and the Bishnoi sacrifice reminded me of the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for nature. It’s inspiring to see students and citizens protesting, even in the face of arrests and opposition. The Supreme Court’s intervention offers a glimmer of hope, but it shouldn’t have to come to that. We need more proactive measures and genuine environmental assessments before projects are greenlit. This piece has reignited my commitment to supporting local environmental causes and being more vocal about preserving our natural heritage. It’s a wake-up call that we can’t afford to ignore.
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Yup, we all gotta to do what it takes in our own ways!
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Its disheartening to read that it requires so much of protests and sacrifices just to protect our nature. I know about the sterlite protest and it was one of the painful movements to witness. So many lives lost. And now the deforestation in Hyderabad and the upcoming Nicobar project. God save our land. We can only pray.
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Yes, prayers and supporting the right moves ..both to protect the planet and better the quality of our lives. 👍
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This rapid urbanisation and fast track to development has cost us dearly environmentally and today we are also seeing the devastating after effects like climate change and natural calamities, rising global temperatures.We do not really need this urbanisation at this juncture, it is just the greed of a pocketful of politicians and industrialists that is driving this deforestation and loss of green cover.Unfortunately the movements are only able to bring attention to the issues but not able to stem them.Of late the governments are taking a back door approach and still allowing the destruction of forests.
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Yes, it’s sad that we have nothing to fall back on, except people who are so full of themselves and filling their coffers that they have pushed this planet into an existential crisis. The climate change is killing, the wars are killing.
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The way you’ve brought together real incidents, past movements, and present challenges is powerful and eye-opening. What happened in Kancha Gachibowli was heartbreaking, watching animals lose their homes in real-time is not something any of us should get used to. But your piece gave me hope too… that collective action can make a difference, just like it has in the past. Thank you for writing this and reminding us that it’s our responsibility to speak up for the Earth.
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Yes, collective action is important to succeed. Nothing can be achieved alone.
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Such a timely post on the Gachibowli forest. I live just 2 kilometres away and can hear the peacocks sitting in my room. I have seen how the students were hounded by the police, but then, as you mentioned, collective action did find results. Damage was done, but it wasn’t written off. It was heartening to see the online signature campaigns, too, getting so many to respond. I have been to the Loktak lake and was totally in awe. I actually stepped on the floating grass and felt like I was on a trampoline. Nature is magical, and imagine if all these disappeared.
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So lucky to live so close to the forest! and it must have been magical to step on the floating grass…I would like to experience this some day. And it’s good the forest was saved, though all over India, the fights are still on for forest covers.
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Such a powerful and eye-opening read, Ambica. Thank you for writing on such an important topic, firstly. The account of the forest being razed overnight was so infuriating. Seeing videos of peacocks crying and deer fleeing their habitat made me question the true cost of so-called development. It’s alarming how decisions are made without considering the long-term environmental impact.
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The peacocks crying were so heartwrenching, I couldn’t get it out of my head. I hear them in the park, so playful and gossipy, but that bulldozing was a desperate cry. I hope we see more sense in the good world around us.
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Yes, I vividly remember seing the videos of the forest patch being cleared in Kancha Ganchibowli, and the crying of the peacocks that infuriated me to no end. How can we turn such a blind eye to the changing climate and the destruction of habitats? When the government itself undertakes such actions, whom can we rely on for accountability and protection? This is such a detailed post that sheds light on the history of the conservation movements and the forest protection acts. Quite insightful!
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Reading this stirred something deep in me. As someone who grew up near green spaces now lost to development. I feel the ache. We must protect wht can’t be rebuilt– our living heritage.
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Reading this stirred something deep in me. As someone who grew up near green spaces now lost to development. I feel the ache. We must protect wht can’t be rebuilt– our living heritage.
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Reading this stirred something deep in me. As someone who grew up near green spaces now lost to development. I feel the ache. We must protect wht can’t be rebuilt– our living heritage.
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Reading this stirred something deep in me. As someone who grew up near green spaces now lost to development. I feel the ache. We must protect wht can’t be rebuilt– our living heritage.
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Reading this stirred something deep in me. As someone who grew up near green spaces now lost to development. I feel the ache. We must protect wht can’t be rebuilt– our living heritage.
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Reading this stirred something deep in me. As someone who grew up near green spaces now lost to development, I feel the ache. We must protect what can’t be rebuilt—our living heritage.
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Reading this stirred something deep in me. As someone who grew up near green spaces now lost to development, I feel the ache. We must protect what can’t be rebuilt—our living heritage.
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This blog is super insightful and informative. Although I keep thinking how can exploiting earth’s treasure be this easy for humans. The nature’s cry for help breaks my heart and the fact that the ones who do this keep living in peace without a sign of guilt. I genuinely feel happy and appreciate your research and crisp brief of past and present. This blog is a reminder, a wake up call for each and every person to rectify their mentality before it’s too late.
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Reading about movements like Chipko Movements in history book was way different than coming across heart wrenching incident that happened in Hyderabad. It shows how humans are digging their own grave by uprooting the greens from the environment.
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How sad is this, right? The videos that surfaced were heartbreaking and I can still hear the peacocks cry! Thank you for writing about movements like these which serves as a wakeup call for every human!
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First of all congratulations for penning this post on such a serious topic which needs imemdiate attention of the people not only of Hyderabad or Telengana but whole of India. The goverment should understand by now nothing will be that easy to execute without the permission and acceptance of the public. Thanks to the University students and social life activities who came forward to take the responsibility of challenging the goverment…. Salute to them. The green eco system is at threat and we the common man need to come forward to protect not only for the wildlife creatures but also for our own environmental safety.
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This broke my heart. Watching the peafowl cry and the deer run in fear—it’s not just trees being lost, it’s entire ecosystems and silent histories being erased overnight. 💔 Thank you for documenting this. We need more voices like yours raising awareness. Let’s not stop at outrage—let’s organize, plant, protest, and protect.
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A powerful and timely reminder of how fragile our natural ecosystems are and how vital public resistance is protecting them. The legacy of India’s environmental movements truly lives on through voices like yours.
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Can’t understand why we need movements when saving Earth is the need of the hour. Are political parties and vested interests that dumb? The trees felled can never be regained to its past glory. The supreme court order is the case of coming once too late.
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This piece is a beautiful reminder that India’s environmental activism isn’t just history, it’s still happening and evolving. Reading about the bulldozing of Hyderabad’s green lungs and the Supreme Court stepping in felt chilling, but also inspiring. From Chipko to the Nicobar fight, every movement shows how powerful it can be when communities stand up for their environment.
The section on communal impact, soil erosion, biodiversity loss, heat islands, was especially well explained. It makes you realise it isn’t just trees that are at risk, but our collective city health.
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the videos from Hyderabad ia still something I cannot forget. I really hope authorities needn’t look for protests everytime to stop something that harms nature
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A powerful reminder of how environmental justice is rooted in resistance. From Chipko to Kancha Gachibowli, collective action remains our strongest defense against unchecked “development” at the cost of nature.
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I was listening to the founder of the cool globe app on podcast and realised how much dangerous the real situation is. It’s high time we buckle up and start caring for our environment proactively!
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Yes, we have killed nature and just heading towards our own destruction, loss of natural resources means loss of life
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I remember seeing the video of peacocks crying when the Kancha Gachibowli forest was being uprooted. It was so heartbreaking. Progress should not come at the cost of environment but it is going to be a long time before authorities realize that.
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I can still remember the peacock cries from that video of Telangana. It was heartbreaking. Development is necessary but at what cost? Glad that people have intervened and fought to ensure that our ecological balance and diversity is maintained.
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Sustainability and environmental awareness is now becoming a part of lifestyle, but this change is not a sudden change. All these movements have laid the foundations to build on it!
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I remember moving to Noida 30 years back and there were ample green spaces. Now it is just becoming an urban jungle. It is the same story everywhere. Flourishing forests are being cut down for the sake of progress and urbanization. And then we raise a hue and cry about climate change.
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It was a black day. I was constantly following the news and how the nation wide voice was heard and it was ordered to stop.
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What a well-researched post. I hope your voice makes a difference.
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