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Context

February 2025: Telangana government announces auction of 400 acres of forest land for IT parks.

March 2025: Government deploys 50 earthmovers to begin clearing the forest.

April 2025: Supreme Court takes suo motu cognisance, halts all activities and seeks a ground report.

Background

What is Kancha Gachibowli?

An urban forest near the University of Hyderabad.

Known for its biodiversity including Schedule-I species, rock formations and ecological value.

One of the last remaining green lungs in Hyderabad’s expanding IT corridor.

Government’s Rationale

Economic Development

Projected investment: ₹50,000 crore

Employment generation: 5 lakh jobs

Prime Location: Situated in the Financial District of Gachibowli, one of Hyderabad’s costliest real estate zones.

Claim of preserving iconic rock formations like Mushroom Rock within the development layout.

Trigger for Controversy

The 400 acres were part of the 2300 acres allotted to UoH in 1974.

However legal ownership lies with the state government.

Previous allotments from the same land for public infrastructure like IIIT, stadium, depot.

The land was previously handed to a private firm in 2003 but reclaimed in 2006.

Land not demarcated or notified as forest but forms part of the larger forest ecosystem.

Environmental Concerns

Ecological Importance

Acts as a carbon sink, controls urban temperature and enhances humidity.

Hosts Schedule I species which are protected under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Clearing without Environmental Impact Assessment or clearances is illegal.

Legal Precedents

T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India 1996

Forest includes any land with forest characteristics regardless of official notification.

Activists argue that based on this, the land is de facto forest land.

Protests and Repression

Massive student protests at UoH.

Arrest and judicial custody of student leaders.

Barricading of campus, restricted access and clashes with police.

Precedent: KBR National Park

Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park in Jubilee Hills was once private estate land.

Later converted into a protected national park due to its ecological value.

Activists demand similar status for Kancha Gachibowli.

Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park

Chiran Palace Complex

Biodiversity and Ecology

Sources:

FRONTLINE