The Battle for Hyderabad’s Green Heart: Why Kancha Gachibowli Must Be Saved
Hyderabad, once a city of lakes and forests, is witnessing yet another ecological tragedy. The Telangana government’s decision to auction 400 acres of urban forest land in Kancha Gachibowli for industrial development has sparked outrage among students, environmentalists, and concerned citizens. This isn’t just a fight for land; it’s a fight for Hyderabad’s future.
The contested land is more than just vacant space—it is a thriving ecosystem. It is home to over 455 plant species, 237 bird species, and rare wildlife, including the four-horned antelope—a Schedule-I protected species under India’s Wildlife Protection Act. Two natural lakes—Peacock Lake and Buffalo Lake—support migratory birds like flamingos, pelicans, and the elusive Verditer flycatcher from the Himalayas telanganatribune.com
Destroying this land means irreversible damage to Hyderabad’s biodiversity. Once concrete replaces trees, the city will lose a crucial carbon sink that mitigates pollution, regulates water cycles, and provides a refuge for wildlife.groundreport.in
On March 30, bulldozers entered the site under heavy police protection. University of Hyderabad students and activists protested, only to be met with force. Many students were detained, including student leader Nihad Sulaiman. Even journalists covering the event faced arrest thestatesman.com
Despite opposition, the government remains firm. Officials argue that the land is not officially classified as forest and belongs to the state. However, this contradicts a 1996 Supreme Court ruling (T. N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India), which states that any land with forest cover must be treated as forest land, even if it lacks official designation telanganatribune.com
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Kancha Gachibowli is just one of many urban forests under threat in Telangana. The government’s plan to raise ₹10,000–₹15,000 crore by auctioning this land follows a disturbing trend of prioritizing short-term revenue over long-term sustainability telanganatribune.com
But at what cost? Hyderabad is already grappling with extreme heat, shrinking water resources, and rising pollution. Concrete jungles may bring real estate profits, but they will choke the very city they claim to develop.
Kancha Gachibowli is just one of many urban forests under threat in Telangana. The government’s plan to raise ₹10,000–₹15,000 crore by auctioning this land follows a disturbing trend of prioritizing short-term revenue over long-term sustainability telanganatribune.com
But at what cost? Hyderabad is already grappling with extreme heat, shrinking water resources, and rising pollution. Concrete jungles may bring real estate profits, but they will choke the very city they claim to develop.
Deforestation is NOT sustainable development—it is short-term economic gain at the cost of long-term environmental loss. Hyderabad’s fragile ecosystem cannot afford to lose another biodiversity-rich zone. This area is home to protected species, vital lakes, and a natural carbon sink that combats pollution and rising temperatures.
We are not against development, but it must be done responsibly. Sustainable urban planning means integrating green spaces, preserving wildlife habitats, and conducting proper Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) before clearing forests. Telangana has an opportunity to lead by example, proving that economic growth and environmental conservation can go hand in hand.
We urge the government to pause this destruction, engage with environmental experts, and explore alternative solutions that do not sacrifice Hyderabad’s natural heritage. Development should not come at the cost of our future.