Background: The Kachibowli Green Belt:
Kachibowli, located in the western part of Hyderabad near the IT corridor, was historically covered with dense vegetation that served as an important ecological buffer for the expanding city. The area contained several hundred acres of forest land with native tree species and supported local biodiversity. As Hyderabad’s IT sector boomed and the Financial District expanded, Kachibowli’s strategic location made it increasingly valuable for development projects.
The Deforestation Project and Its Scope:
In late 2023, the Telangana government approved a major infrastructure development project in Kachibowli that included:
• A new six-lane expressway connecting the Financial District to the Outer Ring Road
• An IT park spanning approximately 200 acres
• Commercial complexes and institutional buildings
The project required clearing an estimated 3,500 trees, many of which were decades old. Despite environmental impact assessments raising concerns about the ecological consequences, the project was fast-tracked under development priorities.
Opposition to the government’s land auction stems from the critical need to conserve existing urban carbon sinks. Green spaces like Kancha Gachibowli are vital for climate regulation, providing shade, lowering temperatures, and raising humidity. The forest is centrally located within Hyderabad’s Financial District, presenting a significant opportunity for the government. Auctioning this land would generate substantial revenue, attract approximately ₹50,000 crore in investment, and create an estimated 500,000 jobs, according to government projections. This is particularly noteworthy given the Gachibowli IT corridor’s status as one of Hyderabad’s most expensive areas, with exceptionally high property values.
Question of ownership, status:
While the 400 acres in question were included in the 2,300-acre parcel granted to the University of Hyderabad upon its 1974 establishment, the state government retains sole legal ownership of the entire land. Over time, it has allocated portions of this 2,300-acre parcel for various projects, including a bus depot, telephone exchange, IIIT campus, Gachibowli sports stadium, and shooting range.
In 2003, the Andhra Pradesh government transferred 400 acres of land to a private sports management company. However, due to non-utilization, the land was reclaimed in 2006, initiating protracted litigation. The Supreme Court ultimately affirmed the Telangana government’s sole ownership.
However, the 400 acres remain undelimited and lack official forest designation, despite their integration within the University of Hyderabad’s broader forest ecosystem. This omission constitutes the crux of the present matter.
In their protests against the Telangana government, students and activists cite the Supreme Court’s landmark 1996 ruling in *T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India*. The Court determined that any land with forest cover constitutes “forest land,” regardless of official forest designation.
Save City Forest, a coalition of conservationists and wildlife experts, asserts that removing forest containing Schedule I species without prior environmental impact assessment or clearance constitutes a serious violation of wildlife and environmental regulations.
Latest escalation, courts get involved:
On March 30th, the government deployed a minimum of fifty earthmoving machines to the University of Hyderabad campus to commence clearing forested land slated for auction. Access to the east campus was restricted to prevent student entry.
The campus experienced significant protests resulting in the detainment of 53 students, the arrest and judicial remand of two others, and injuries to several more. Despite this, the Students’ Union initiated an indefinite strike while demolition continued.
Following a surge in national media coverage, the Telangana High Court received two public interest litigation (PIL) filings. The court issued a temporary restraining order on Wednesday, directing the state government to halt tree felling until the subsequent hearing. The Supreme Court, however, initiated suo motu cognizance of the matter Thursday morning, requesting a status report from the High Court registrar (judicial). That afternoon, the Court requested an explanation from the Telangana government regarding the urgency of forest clearance and subsequently issued a stay on all related activities pending further orders.The Court emphasized the ecological significance of the forest and ordered an on-site inspection to assess the situation.
What Does The New Plan Intend To Do?
Following recent Supreme Court directives, the Telangana government has reversed its prior decision to demolish the Kancha Gachibowli site. Instead, the site will be developed into a world-class eco-park, showcasing unique flora and fauna. It proposed transforming the entire 2,000-acre area, including the UoH campus, into one of the world’s largest eco parks. This ambitious project envisions features such as observatories, walking trails, wildlife zones, butterfly gardens, open-air gyms, and a turtle park. The plan also includes relocating the UoH to a new “Future City” on Hyderabad’s outskirts, with an allocation of 100 acres and an investment of ₹1,000 crore for the new campus. The student union contends the proposed land exchange—1,600 acres for 100 acres—is inequitable. President Umesh Ambedkar stated, “Why not maintain the status quo? We are vigorously defending our land and university, and will not relinquish it without a substantial struggle.”
Current Status and Future Outlook:
As of April 6, 2025, all development projects in the Kancha Gachibowli area remain suspended, in accordance with Supreme Court directives. The Court’s action highlights the critical role of environmental considerations in urban development strategies. The situation is dynamic, with ongoing discussions among government agencies, the judiciary, environmental advocacy groups, and the local community to identify the most environmentally sustainable course of action for Kancha Gachibowli.
The Kancha Gachibowli case study exemplifies the intricate relationship between urban development and environmental conservation. It provides a crucial benchmark for global cities facing comparable issues, underscoring the necessity of integrated strategies that balance economic expansion with ecological responsibility.