Eco-Park Row in Telangana: Hyderabad University Students Rise Against Land Plan

A plan has been made to build ‘one of the world’s largest eco-parks’ on a vast 2000 acres of land in Kancha Gachibowli in Hyderabad city. Initially, the Telangana government had decided to auction about 400 acres of land for this project. But under pressure from student movements, environmental activists and various organizations, and due to the suo motu intervention of the Supreme Court, that decision was canceled.

A part of the land of the University of Hyderabad (UoH) also falls under this project, which has been a source of anger for the student community from the beginning. The central government has also sent a letter to the state seeking an explanation on this issue, especially on the question of why the land adjacent to the central university is being auctioned.

 'Future City' and Eco Park Project worth Rs 1,000 crore

The government has said that the university will be shifted to a new 'Future City' area on the outskirts of the city. There is a proposal to build a new campus with an investment of Rs 1,000 crore along with 100 acres of land. On the other hand, a vast eco-park will be built in Kancha Gachibowli, where there will be special measures for biodiversity conservation, opportunities for research on soil structure, and various types of trees will be planted.

This park will also have a high observation tower, walking paths, butterfly garden, open gym, wildlife zone, and even a turtle park.

Planning with experts from around the world, governing council to be formed

The government is claiming that advice from international experts will be taken for the implementation of this project and a 'Governing Council' will be formed, which will include environmental scientists, educationists, student representatives and conservationists. Through them, a scientific and transparent master plan for the proposed eco-park will be prepared.

 Students' complaint: Land grabbing, deforestation and replacement proposal not appropriate

Hyderabad University students are not satisfied with this explanation of the government. They allege that a large number of trees have already been cut down in Kancha Gachibowli, which has damaged the ecological balance of the area. Many are raising questions about how realistic an 'eco park' is where the land is already suffering from environmental damage?

The university authorities have also informed that the government has not held any formal discussions with them so far. If any proposal comes, it will be discussed in the university's executive council.

Students' union president Umesh Ambedkar said, "How can an institution with over 1500 acres of land be accepted instead of just 100 acres? This is a direct land grab. We will continue to fight for our university and land."

Hyderabad is currently facing a deep political and environmental question in the conflict between nature conservation and development projects. Only time will tell where this debate will end.