Hyderabad/Jakarta: Forests are nature’s precious treasure, but in the race for development, they are shrinking rapidly. Whether it is the plan to fell the Kancha Gachibowli forest in Hyderabad, India or the destruction of the world’s third largest rainforest in Indonesia—the threat to the environment and wildlife in both places has raised concerns. While the Telangana government wants to clear 400 acres of forest for IT and infrastructure, Indonesia is preparing to cut down a forest the size of Belgium for bioethanol production. The goal behind these plans is self-reliance, but millions of animals and natives are paying the price.
Hyderabad’s forest at stake
The Kancha Gachibowli forest spread near Hyderabad is one of the green breaths of the city. The Telangana government wants to use this forest spread over 400 acres for development. The government argues that this will boost the IT sector and open up new employment opportunities. But local people and environmental activists have stood up against it. Hyderabad-based environmentalist Ramesh Naidu says, “This forest is not just a group of trees, but is home to hundreds of species. Cutting it down means snatching their rights from future generations.” People are also raising their voices against this cutting on social media.

Indonesia’s master plan

On the other hand, environmental activists are calling the deforestation plan going on in Indonesia the world’s biggest planned destruction. The rainforest here, which is the third largest forest in the world, is home to rare species like orangutans, elephants and giant forest flowers. The Indonesian government is preparing to clear this forest to make bioethanol from sugarcane, rice and other crops. Its purpose is to strengthen energy self-sufficiency and food security. President Prabowo Subianto said in October 2024, “In four-five years we will become self-sufficient in food grains. We have to become self-sufficient in energy too, and we have this capability.”

Development taking a toll on the environment

This plan is not new in Indonesia. Former President Joko Widodo had initiated large-scale plantations during his tenure of 2014-2024. But the new government has extended it to bioethanol. Experts say that this will affect the forest as well as the indigenous communities living there. Jakarta-based environmental activist Sarina Ahmad says, “This project will render millions of animals homeless. The lives of indigenous people are also at stake. Should the price of self-reliance be so high?”

The same question is echoing in Hyderabad too. Ramesh Yadav, who lives around Kancha Gachibowli, said, “This forest is our identity. The government should think about us before cutting it.” Local communities in both places say that their land and resources are being taken away in the name of development.

Wildlife crisis

Indonesia’s rainforest is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Many species here are not found anywhere else in the world. This is the last refuge for endangered animals like orangutans. If this forest is cut down, the existence of these species will be in danger. The Kancha Gachibowli forest in Hyderabad is also home to birds, small mammals and reptiles. Wildlife expert Anil Sharma says, “Deforestation destroys the ecosystem. It affects not only animals, but also humans.”

Self-reliance or destruction?

Both Indonesia and Telangana governments are justifying their goals. While Indonesia is talking about energy and food security, Telangana is emphasizing economic development. But the question is, should this progress come at the cost of the environment? Sarina Ahmed says, “We need renewable energy, but for this, clearing the forest is not the right way. Alternative ways have to be found.”

The way forward

Protests against deforestation are growing in Hyderabad, and in Indonesia too, activists are demanding answers from the government. In both places, a debate has started on how to strike a balance between development and environment. Will the governments listen to these voices, or will the forests continue to be cut? This question remains unanswered. But one thing is certain that the story of Kancha Gachibowli and the rainforests of Indonesia is not just about trees but about the future of our earth.