Telangana Declares Gurramguda Forest Area as Reserve Forest After Supreme Court Verdict

Hyderabad, March 2026 : The Government of Telangana has officially declared the Gurramguda forest area in the Amangal division of Rangareddy district as a Reserve Forest, bringing an end to a prolonged legal dispute over the land, a senior forest official said on Friday.

The state government issued a Government Order notifying 424 acres and 31 guntas of land as Reserve Forest under Section 15 of the Telangana Forest Act, 1967.

According to a statement released by Dr. C. Suvarna, the order—G.O. Ms. No. 7 dated March 9, 2026—was issued through the state’s Environment, Forests, Science and Technology Department.

With the issuance of the notification, the legal process regarding the forest land has been formally completed. The area now enjoys official Reserve Forest status, which provides stronger legal protection against encroachments and unauthorised use.

Long-Running Land Dispute

Officials said that a portion of the land—102 acres located in Survey No. 201/1 of Sahebnagar Kalan—had been the subject of a long-standing legal battle known as the “Sahebnagar Kalan case.”

The case had been heard in several courts over the years before reaching the Supreme Court of India. In December 2025, the apex court ruled that the disputed 102 acres form part of the Gurramguda Reserve Forest block and are not private property.

The ruling upheld the claim of the Forest Department and reinforced the importance of protecting forest lands from encroachments and illegal claims.

According to officials, the Forest Department had earlier faced setbacks in lower courts as well as in the Telangana High Court before ultimately securing a favourable verdict in the Supreme Court.

Authorities said that a few individuals claiming to be legal heirs of Salar Jung III, also known as Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, had attempted to assert ownership over the disputed land.

Dr. Suvarna said the Supreme Court judgment strengthened the government’s legal rights over the forest area and cleared the way for its formal notification as a Reserve Forest.

Urban Forest Park Planned

Following the legal resolution, the Telangana government has decided to develop the Gurramguda forest area into a large Urban Forest Park.

Officials said the initiative comes in response to rapid urbanisation in Hyderabad, which has increased the need for protected green spaces and ecological zones within and around the city.

The proposed park will serve as a green lung space where residents can experience nature, spend leisure time with their families, and learn about environmental conservation.

The forest department said the project will also promote environmental awareness while preserving biodiversity in the region.

Focus on Protecting Green Spaces

According to the official statement, the Telangana government has been prioritising the protection of forest lands, prevention of encroachments, and expansion of urban forest parks around Hyderabad.

Authorities said the declaration of the Gurramguda forest area as a Reserve Forest marks an important step toward safeguarding natural ecosystems while creating sustainable recreational spaces for the city’s growing population.