Telangana government plans to auction approximately 400 acres of land located in Kancha Gachibowli, near the University of Hyderabad (UoH), for commercial development. This decision has sparked significant opposition from students, faculty, environmentalists, and political groups due to concerns over ecological damage, loss of biodiversity, and the perceived erosion of public educational space.
The land in question, adjacent to UoH’s eastern campus, is described by protesters as a biodiverse area rich with flora and fauna, including species like peacocks, deer, and the vulnerable Indian star tortoise, as well as unique geological formations such as the Mushroom Rock. Critics argue that developing this land would destroy a critical green lung in Hyderabad’s rapidly urbanizing western corridor, exacerbating environmental issues like heat islands and air pollution. Students and activists have emphasized its role as a carbon sink and habitat for hundreds of plant and animal species, with some citing past studies that documented over 700 plant species and 220 bird species in the broader campus area.
The Talangana govt used force against the protesting students and we condemn this action without reservation. It is not a question of who the land belongs to. It is a question of the manner in which a public interest decision is being pushed through.
In solidarity with the students of Hyderabad University!
