Hyderabad University row heats up, pressure mounts on Revanth Reddy Govt
The Telangana government, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, faces widespread criticism over its plan to auction 400 acres of disputed land at Kancha Gachibowli, near the University of Hyderabad. The opposition, judiciary, environmentalists, students, academics, and even celebrities have raised concerns.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of reports detailing deforestation and environmental damage. The court directed Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari to halt all activity in the area until an environmental impact assessment is completed. Justices Bhushan R Gavai and A G Masih warned that non-compliance would make the chief secretary personally liable.
Meanwhile, the Telangana High Court continued hearing two public interest litigations (PILs) filed by NGO Vata Foundation and the University of Hyderabad students’ union. The court extended its stay on land activities and scheduled the next hearing for April 7.
The central government has also intervened. Assistant Inspector General of Forests S Sundar wrote to Telangana’s Forest Department, demanding a factual report on alleged illegal deforestation. He directed officials to ensure compliance with forest and wildlife protection laws and submit an immediate report.
University of Hyderabad students have strongly opposed the land auction. In a letter to the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development, student union president Umesh Ambedkar accused the state of destroying biodiversity. He said bulldozers were razing ancient trees, displacing wildlife, and damaging ecosystems. He described the land as home to 734 plant species, 237 bird species, and rare animals like the Indian Star Tortoise. He warned that Peacock and Buffalo Lakes were filling with debris.
Environmentalists Arun Vasireddy and Sriram Reddy released a 27-page report highlighting Kancha Gachibowli’s ecological importance. They warned that Hyderabad’s last undisturbed wilderness was under threat. High-rise buildings have already replaced much of the area’s greenery.
Public support against the auction is growing. Celebrities like Rashmika Mandanna, Renu Desai, Raveena Tandon, and Dia Mirza criticized the destruction. Mandanna expressed heartbreak on Instagram, while Mirza tweeted that true development does not come at the cost of biodiversity.
Politically, the ruling Congress government faces backlash from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), BJP, and Left parties. BRS leader KT Rama Rao warned real estate firms against purchasing the land. He vowed that a future BRS government would reclaim the area and turn it into an eco-park. BJP leaders have urged the central government to intervene, while Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) accused the state of selling university land under the guise of IT development.
The Telangana government defended its actions. Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka stated that the land legally belongs to the state and claimed the auction would not harm the environment. The Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) labeled the land as “waste land” and not forest. It asserted that a survey, conducted with university officials in 2024, finalized boundaries.
However, University Registrar Devesh Nigam denied any such survey. He insisted the university has repeatedly asked the government to recognize its land rights. The government has now formed a committee to resolve the dispute, but protests continue.
