The Case Of Kancha Gachibowli

In april 2025, a controversy erupted in Hyderabad that quickly became a flashpoint in the wider debate between economic development and environmental conservation. At the heart of this conflict is the proposed clearance of 400 acres of forest land in Kancha Gachibowli, located near the University of Hyderabad. The Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC), backed by the state government, has planned to auction this land to promote IT infrastructure and urban expansion. But the move has triggered resistance from environmental activists, citizens, and legal experts alike.

The Telangana government's decision to auction 400 acres of forested land in Kancha Gachibowli for IT infrastructure development has ignited significant environmental and legal debates. The land, adjacent to the University of Hyderabad, is rich in biodiversity, hosting over 700 plant species, 220 bird species, and several protected mammals and reptiles .​

Environmental activists, under the 'Save City Forest' campaign, argue that the auction violates the public trust doctrine and the Supreme Court's ruling in TN Godavarman Thirumulpad v Union of India (1996), which considers any land with forest cover as "forest land," regardless of official notification . They demand the immediate withdrawal of the auction, a thorough biodiversity impact assessment, and the declaration of the land as a Protected Area.

Students and faculty at the University of Hyderabad have joined the protest, arguing that the loss of green space would have far-reaching consequences on local temperature, rainfall, and mental health. Residents nearby have echoed similar sentiments, fearing increased flooding during monsoons due to lost vegetation, heat island effects in already-warming Hyderabad, loss of cultural and recreational space for communities.

In the last decade, Hyderabad has lost several natural heritage sites to urban sprawl. Environmentalists warn that if forests like Kancha Gachibowli are not protected now, Hyderabad could face chronic water shortages, air pollution spikes, a decline in livability rankings, reduced climate resilience.

Moreover, experts argue that development and ecology need not be in conflict. Cities like Singapore and Curitiba have successfully integrated forest conservation with infrastructure growth through strategic planning and green zoning.

The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has stepped in, calling the clearance "potentially illegal" and demanding a formal response from the state.

As of now, the Telangana High Court has issued an interim order halting any tree-felling activities in the Kancha Gachibowli area. It has sought responses from both the state and central authorities. Meanwhile, national environmental bodies are investigating the case for violations of forest clearance protocols.

About the Author

Shreya Giri is a talented SEO content writer with a unique flair for captivating readers. With a bachelor's degree in geography, her passion for crafting exceptional content shines through in every word she writes. Shreya's expertise lies in her ability to seamlessly blend language and storytelling, effortlessly capturing the attention of her audience.

She is pursuing a Master's degree in geography and has a remarkable talent for transforming intricate concepts into captivating narratives that have a lasting impact. With Shreya, you can expect excellent, compelling content that will keep you engaged from beginning to end.

You can connect with her through-

My-Lekh profile- https://www.my-lekh.com/profile/shreyagiri3008/profile

LinkedIn profile- https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreya-giri-a0a607265 

Email- shreyagiri3008@gmail.com