Kancha Gachibowli Forest News
The Kancha Gachibowli forest controversy has emerged as a major environmental and legal issue in Hyderabad, drawing attention to the growing conflict between urban development and ecological preservation. This 400-acre stretch of biodiverse land, located next to the University of Hyderabad (UoH), is now at the heart of protests, legal battles, and public debates.
Biodiversity at Stake
Kancha Gachibowli is one of Hyderabad’s last remaining urban forests, supporting over 700 plant species and 237 bird species, alongside mammals and reptiles such as:
- Spotted deer
- Wild boars
- Indian star tortoises
- Bengal monitor lizards
- Indian rock python
The area also contains two ecologically important lakes—Peacock Lake and Buffalo Lake—crucial for local wildlife and groundwater recharge. It even features rare 2.5-billion-year-old rock formations, including the iconic Mushroom Rock.
Importantly, eight species in this forest are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The ongoing tree felling, especially during bird nesting seasons, has raised significant environmental concerns.
The Development Controversy
The Telangana government proposes to auction the forest land to make way for an IT park project, citing its strategic location in Hyderabad’s Financial District. The government claims:
- ₹50,000 crore in potential investment
- Over 5 lakh job opportunities
Yet, environmentalists and UoH students oppose this move. They argue that the forest functions as a carbon sink, regulates temperatures, improves air quality, and houses invaluable biodiversity.
Criticism has mounted over the lack of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and wildlife clearance, which activists say violate environmental laws.
Legal Interventions
The controversy intensified in late March 2025 when land clearing began. Protests erupted, resulting in injuries and detentions. Legal interventions followed:
- Telangana High Court: Issued an interim order to halt all tree felling.
- Supreme Court: On April 3, it took suo motu cognizance, halted all land-clearing activities, and assigned a Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to report by April 16.
The CEC’s report will assess if the land qualifies as a “deemed forest”, which could grant it legal protection.
Broader Implications
This issue raises vital questions for growing cities like Hyderabad:
- Can development coexist with environmental preservation?
- Should urban forests be sacrificed for tech infrastructure?
- Do current laws adequately protect sensitive green spaces?
As Hyderabad evolves into a global tech hub, Kancha Gachibowli has become a symbol of the sustainability versus progress debate.
Also Read: HCU Land Dispute: What is Hyderabad Central University’s Biodiversity Crisis?
Telangana Government’s Stand
The Telangana government defends the IT park project on several grounds:
- Economic Development: Aims to attract ₹50,000 crore in investments and create 5 lakh jobs.
- Debt Management: Plans to use land sale proceeds to help offset a rising ₹4–5 lakh crore debt burden.
- Strategic Location: The area is a premium real estate zone in Hyderabad’s IT corridor.
- Infrastructure Expansion: Integral to Hyderabad’s urban planning goals.
Officials also mention efforts to preserve iconic rock formations, such as Mushroom Rock, within the layout.
AAlso read: What is the 400-acre land dispute at Hyderabad Central University?
Public and Student Response
Local residents, especially UoH students and faculty, have been at the forefront of opposition.
Key Actions:
- Protests & Dharnas: Ongoing since March 2025.
- Police Clashes: Over 50 students detained.
- Indefinite Boycott: Declared by the UoH Students Union on April 2.
- Legal Appeals: Demand for transparency in land records and auction documents.
Students stress the forest’s role in climate regulation, education, and community well-being, urging a shift toward eco-parks over infrastructure.
Conclusion
The Kancha Gachibowli case is not just about a forest—it’s a litmus test for how Indian cities will shape their future: through sustainable planning or unchecked urbanization. With court proceedings ongoing and public opinion leaning toward conservation, the forest’s fate is yet to be determined.
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