The Telangana High Court on Wednesday directed the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) to halt all development activities on 400 acres in Kancha Gachibowli near Hyderabad Central University (HCU) until Thursday. The decision came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by HCU students and the Vata Foundation, an environmental NGO.
The petitioners argued that the TGIIC was razing trees using bulldozers in violation of Supreme Court guidelines. They emphasized that the land is ecologically sensitive, housing three lakes, numerous rock formations, and various species of wildlife, making it eligible for protection under forest conservation laws.
The petitioners cited the Supreme Court&rsquo;s ruling in the Godavarman case, which mandates that land with biodiversity and forest-like features be granted deemed forest status. They demanded that the area be designated a national park under Section 35 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Appearing for the Telangana government, Advocate General Sudershan Reddy countered that the land was originally allotted to IMG Academy in 2004. Since the academy failed to utilize it, the government revoked the allotment. He argued that the land does not qualify as a forest, pointing out that HCU itself has high-rise buildings and multiple helipads.
After hearing arguments from both sides, a division bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul issued an interim stay on development until the next hearing on Thursday.
Protests Escalate on HCU Campus
The University of Hyderabad Students&rsquo; Union (UoHSU) and affiliated student groups have intensified protests, demanding the immediate removal of police personnel and construction equipment from the site. They have declared an indefinite boycott of classes starting April 1.
Student activists and environmental groups have condemned the government&rsquo;s plans to auction the land for IT infrastructure development, warning of irreversible ecological damage.
The Telangana government, however, maintains that the land belongs to the state and not the university. Officials assert that development will proceed under legal regulations.
With tensions rising, all eyes are now on the High Court&rsquo;s next hearing, which will determine the fate of the disputed land.
(with inputs from IANS)
&nbsp;

Bulldozers lined up on land near HCU for clearing trees, debris

Directs TGICC to stop all work till Thurs; students declare indefinite class boycott from April 1

Telangana HC Halts Development Work Near HCU

Directs TGICC to stop all work till Thurs; students declare indefinite class boycott from April 1

April 2, 2025 | 19:37 IST