HYDERABAD: In the face of mounting opposition from students, environmental activists, and civil society groups, the Telangana government has withdrawn its earlier proposal to auction 400 acres of land at Kancha Gachibowli. Instead, it has unveiled a far more ambitious vision: transforming the entire 2,000-acre stretch—including parts currently occupied by the University of Hyderabad (UoH)—into what it touts as “one of the world’s largest eco parks.”
The shift in plans comes after the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the matter, halting all ongoing activity at the site, including tree-felling operations. The central government also sought clarification from the state regarding the proposed land auction near the centrally administered university.
Rs 1,000 Crore Vision for ‘Future City’
According to sources, the government now intends to relocate UoH to a new “Future City” planned on the outskirts of Hyderabad. The university would be allotted 100 acres of land and a funding package of Rs 1,000 crore to establish a new campus.
The proposed eco park is envisioned as a sprawling urban green zone featuring observatories, nature trails, butterfly gardens, wildlife zones, open-air gyms, and even a turtle habitat. The project will reportedly adopt a “micro-ecosystem” approach to preserve biodiversity, enhance soil health, and promote the planting of native tree species.
Expert Collaboration and Oversight Planned
Officials confirmed that international environmental experts will be consulted during the design phase. “We plan to bring in specialists from around the world,” an official said. “A committee will study leading ecological parks globally before developing a master plan tailored to this region.”
To ensure scientific credibility and transparency, the state also plans to establish a governing council comprising environmental scientists, academic representatives, student voices, and conservation advocates to oversee the project’s execution.
Students Push Back: ‘This Is Not a Fair Trade’
Student protests, which gained momentum in recent weeks, have underscored concerns about the ongoing deforestation in the Kancha Gachibowli region. Reports of tree-cutting and ecological damage have already alarmed many.
Despite the state’s new proposal, UoH authorities say they have not yet received any formal communication. “If such an offer is made, it will be placed before the university’s executive council for discussion,” a senior official said.
Student leaders, however, remain steadfast in their opposition. “Why can’t they leave things as they are?” questioned UoH Students’ Union President Umesh Ambedkar. “We are fighting for our university and our land. We won’t give up so easily.”
Ambedkar also dismissed the relocation offer as inadequate. “Exchanging over 1,600 acres for just 100 is not a fair deal,” he added.
