Telangana Govt Clears ‘Forest’ Land Amid Hyderabad University Protest: What Does This Mean for Environment?

Students at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) on April 1 launched an indefinite class boycott to protest against the Telangana government’s decision of clearing  400 acres of forest land adjacent to the campus for auction in Kancha Gachibowli through the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) to build an IT park, according to HT.

“Police officials are not letting us go outside the gate of the campus to protest against the ongoing deforestation by TGIIC. Kancha Gachibowli is home to hundreds of flora and fauna species. We are demanding an immediate halt to TGIIC works and removal of police from campus. We have launched indefinite class boycott strike today and we will continue till deforestation stops,” Akash Kumar, Vice President of University of Hyderabad students’ union told HT. He also emphasised that police and over 50 earthmoving machines “razing down the forests” in the land should be removed from the university immediately.

According to reports, the protests first began on March 30 when students and activists noticed police deployment and earthmoving equipment at the site. Over 50 students were detained but later released. Police reported that when TGIIC began development work on March 30, a group of people, including UoH students, attempted to stop the project, resulting in clashes where officials and workers were allegedly attacked with sticks and stones, as per a report by TOI. Two individuals were arrested in connection with the incident.

Environmental Concerns Loom

Student organisations and environmental activists claim that clearing the Kancha Gachibowli Forest (KGF) will have severe ecological consequences. A report by researcher Arun Vasireddy on KGF’s ecological heritage warns that deforestation in the area could increase local temperatures by 1 to 4 degrees Celsius, worsening environmental conditions in Gachibowli and its surroundings, reported Telangana Today.

Meanwhile, Telangana High Court will be hearing two public interest litigations (PILs) on April 2 against the ongoing clearance of 400 acres of forest land in Kancha Gachibowli. Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul has assured petitioners that their pleas seeking protection for the disputed land will be addressed urgently, as per a report by TOI.