Telangana government clears 400 acres of forest in Hyderabad despite major protests

In a major step and despite of several protests, the Telangana government cleared 400 acres of forest in Kancha Gachibowli village. Protests were held by the students of the University of Hyderabad.

According to reports, the area is situated in Rangareddy district. The Telangana government plans to auction 400 acres in Kancha Gachibowli. The State has has estimated a revenue of around Rs 10,000 to 15,000 crore from the auction. There are plans to develop the area into world-class IT parks and improved urban living spaces.

The Telangana government proceeded with the clearance of land in Kancha Gachibowli village, Hyderabad’s IT corridor, despite increasing protests from the University of Hyderabad students. Situated in Rangareddy district, the state plans to auction 400 acres in Kancha Gachibowli, anticipating revenues between Rs 10,000 to 15,000 crore. The government asserts ownership of the land and aims to develop it into a hub with world-class IT parks, enhanced urban connectivity, and improved urban living spaces.

University students report that about 50 earthmovers are actively removing the greenery, disrupting the ecosystem even as a petition to preserve the area as a national park awaits a hearing in the High Court scheduled for April 7.

An Ecological Heritage report by researcher Arun Vasireddy highlights that KGF hosts 233 bird species—more than the diversity found in KBR National Park and others around Hyderabad. The report emphasizes the low maintenance cost of the forest compared to the exorbitant expenses required to recreate even a small portion of such a natural habitat.

These students, citing a joint study by the University of Hyderabad and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-India conducted in 2008-09, argue that the area is a biodiverse ecosystem with over 455 species of flora and fauna, including various herbs, shrubs, and wildlife species.

The case with regards to the destruction of the ecosystem of the area has been scheduled for hearing in the High Court on April 7, said reports. The destruction of the Kancha Gachibowli Forest (KGF) is likely to increase temperature of the area by 1 to 4 degrees Celsius. The bio diversity in the are shall also face a major setback, said reports.

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Cyberabad police detained over 50 students for protesting against the State. Reports say that over 455 species of flora and fauna, including various herbs, shrubs, and wildlife species will be destroyed.