Kancha Gachibowli Land Issue: All You Need to Know About the Protests in Hyderabad
The Kancha Gachibowli land controversy has emerged as one of Hyderabad's most debated land and environmental issues. Centered around a 400-acre forested region near the University of Hyderabad (UoH), the Telangana government's plan to auction the land for IT development has triggered widespread protests, legal challenges, and public outcry.
What Is the Kancha Gachibowli Land Issue?
In early 2025, the Telangana government announced plans to auction approximately 400 acres of green forest land near Gachibowli, Hyderabad. The land is intended for the development of IT parks, with the government projecting an investment of ₹50,000 crore and job creation for 5 lakh individuals.
The land falls within a larger 2,300-acre parcel originally allotted to the University of Hyderabad in 1974. While UoH uses much of it for academic and environmental purposes, the Telangana government claims legal ownership, stating the land is unutilized and available for development.
Why Are Environmentalists and Students Protesting?
The proposed site is one of Hyderabad's last remaining urban forest tracts, home to rich biodiversity, including native trees, birds, insects, and small wildlife. Environmentalists argue the region acts as a natural carbon sink, cooling the urban heat and serving as a critical ecological buffer.
Protesters — including UoH students, faculty, environmentalists, and civil society members — are demanding that the area be declared an Urban Eco Reserve or Biodiversity Park, similar to KBR National Park.
Legal Battle and Supreme Court Intervention
On March 30, 2025, state authorities began clearing the land with bulldozers, triggering campus protests. Multiple students were detained. Following the unrest, the Supreme Court of India intervened on April 3, ordering a stay on all deforestation and construction activities.
The court directed the Telangana government to maintain status quo and submit a ground report by April 16, 2025, through a central empowered committee.
Land Valuation Controversy
- A major concern is the alleged undervaluation of the land:
- Originally valued at ₹75 crore per acre.
- Revised valuation placed it at ₹52 crore per acre.
- This discrepancy has led to accusations of a potential ₹9,200 crore land scam.
- Activists have demanded full transparency in land valuation and auction procedures.
Current Status (As of April 2025)
- Supreme Court Stay: All activities paused until further notice.
- Ground Report Pending: Final decision awaited post-April 16.
- Government Response: Telangana agreed to withdraw student cases but maintains a police presence at the site.
- Public Demand: Protesters continue to call for permanent protection of the forest under environmental conservation laws.
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