Centre Calls Gachibowli Land Clearance ‘Illegal,’ Seeks Telangana’s Response

The Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change asked the Telangana forest department to submit a factual report on the removal of vegetation from the 400-acre Kancha Gachibowli village in the HMDA limits.

The issue became controversial with the Telangana government claiming that it was the sole owner of the 400 acres and razing many trees on the land.

However, no action has been initiated by either the forest department or the GHMC. The forest officials said they were not clear whether it was happening in their jurisdiction or not. Forest officials said they can initiate action only if it was ascertained to be forest land.

Meanwhile, students from the University of Hyderabad, launched a protest against the Congress government’s decision to call bids to auction the 400 acres for IT and infra projects. They accused the state of destroying one of the very few ‘lung spaces’ in the city. The opposition BRS and BJP leaders backed the UoH students in the protest.

However, the Telangana government said that it was the sole owner of the land and that UoH’s land was not encroached.

Several environmentalists and climate conservators also raised voice against the government decision in handing over the land to the TGIIC.

The land had remained protected due to dispute, following which biodiversity and greenery thrived in the area. The controversial land is part of Musi river basin and also contributes to the river basin flows.

Environmentalists expressed concern over the auction of the land for converting it into concrete jungle by permitting builders to enter into the area, which they felt would drain out the groundwater increasing the potential for rapid floods, as the green cover would be removed.

The Central officials also asked the state forest department to also submit an action taken report in connection with the controversial land.

The authorities also asked officials to take legal action under the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, Wildlife Protection Act and the Van Adhiniyam and at the same time, ensure that there is no violation of any other Acts or orders of the courts and tribunals.

With the issue becoming more controversial, Revanth Reddy said that the 400 acres would open doors for huge investment and employment. He predicted Rs 50,000 crore investment and job opportunities for nearly 5 lakh people, due to its proximity to the offices of IT giants and location in the financial district.