Mumbai Animal Lovers Gather In Hundreds For Candle March In Andheri Against Telangana Deforestation Near Hyderabad University (Videos)

Mumbai: Hundreds of animal lovers and activists gathered in Andheri on Sunday evening to participate in a peaceful candle march protesting against large-scale deforestation in Telangana. The march was held in response to the Telangana state government's clearing of nearly 400 acres of forest land near the University of Hyderabad for IT park development, an action that has sparked nationwide outrage from environmentalists and wildlife supporters.

Despite the Supreme Court staying further deforestation work in the area, major damage had already been done to the Kancha Gachibowli forest, which was home to numerous species of birds and animals. The protestors expressed their dismay at the forced eviction of wildlife from their natural habitat and emphasized the urgent need for policy change to prioritize environmental conservation over rapid urban development.

Mumbai Cop Shares Visuals Of Candle March

Mumbai Police officer and noted animal rights activist Sudhir Kudalkar, who participated in the march, shared photos of the protest on social media. In his caption, he wrote: "SUCCESSFUL CANDLE MARCH arranged by PAL FOUNDATION for Nature and voiceless of Kancha Gachibowli, Hyderabad Telangana … on Sunday 13th April 2025. Let’s come together to protect their home and preserve nature for future generations."

The candle march, organised by Roshan Pathak, an animal rights advisor with the Pure Animal Lovers (PAL) Foundation, saw around 500 participants from across Mumbai. The demonstration began at Sardar Jaswant Singh Chandhok Chowk on Lokhandwala Back Road and continued from 5 pm to 7 pm. Protesters carried candles and posters, calling for the protection of forest lands and the rights of voiceless wildlife displaced by the government’s development plans.

Animal Lovers Gather In Hundreds For Candle March In Andheri Against Telangana Deforestation Animal Lovers Gather In Hundreds For Candle March In Andheri Against Telangana Deforestation Animal Lovers Gather In Hundreds For Candle March In Andheri Against Telangana Deforestation

Pathak, while organising the march, had stated that the protest wasn’t just about Telangana. “The Telangana government has not only damaged the green lungs but also demolished the homes of wildlife. Our protest is against all state governments that continue to ignore the ecological cost of deforestation,” he said.

The march called for stricter laws and more accountability in decisions that affect forests and biodiversity. Activists demanded that the government consult environmental experts and local communities before clearing green zones for development.