Students & Residents Urge Telangana Govt to Stop Auction of 400 Acres in Kancha Gachibowli

Hyderabad: The Telangana government’s decision to auction 400 acres of land in Kancha Gachibowli has ignited a fierce debate, with students, residents, and environmental activists strongly opposing the move. The land, which serves as a critical green lung for Hyderabad, is home to diverse wildlife and plays a vital role in climate regulation.

The University of Hyderabad (UoH) students, local residents, and wildlife enthusiasts under the banner ‘Save City Forest’ argue that the land functions as a natural carbon sink, mitigating climate change and cooling the surrounding urban landscape. Environmentalists warn that its auction could lead to deforestation, habitat destruction, and increased urban heat island effects.

A petition on Change.org titled ‘Halt TGIIC’s Auction of 400+ Acres of Vital Forest Land in Kancha Gachibowli’ has gained over 18,000 signatures in just 24 hours, reflecting widespread public outrage.

Wildlife Under Threat

Shivani U of Save City Forest highlighted that the land originally belonged to the University of Hyderabad, with over 237 bird species, 15 mammal species, and protected animals like the star tortoise inhabiting the area. She warned that any development would severely disrupt wildlife corridors, threatening the region’s ecological balance.

A History of Land Disputes

The University of Hyderabad was allotted 2,300 acres in 1974 for academic and research purposes. However, in 2003, 534 acres were transferred to a private sports company, a deal that eventually collapsed. The Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) is now overseeing the auction of 400 acres of this reclaimed land following a 2025 high court ruling in favor of the state government.

While university students insist the land is crucial for research and ecological preservation, a senior UoH official, requesting anonymity, stated that the land belongs to the Telangana government, and the university is not involved in the dispute.

Rising Student Protests

UoH students, led by the University of Hyderabad Students Union (UoHSU), are planning large-scale demonstrations. Nihad Sulaiman, UoHSU General Secretary, criticized the government for repeatedly taking university land for projects like IIIT Hyderabad, Gachibowli Stadium, and a power station, despite the university’s ongoing expansion needs.

Environmentalists Raise Alarm

Climate activist Ruchith Asha Kamal of Climate Front Hyderabad emphasized the urgency of protecting the land. “This forest is three to four times larger than KBR National Park. Losing it would be devastating for Hyderabad’s environment,” he said.

Government’s Silence

Despite mounting pressure, the Telangana government has not issued a formal response. However, activists, students, and environmental groups are determined to intensify their movement, warning of long-term consequences if the auction proceeds.

As protests gain momentum, the fight to preserve Kancha Gachibowli’s green cover continues. Stay tuned for further developments.