High Court Hears Petitions Against Telangana Forest Clearance

Telangana Government Clears Forest Land Amid Protests at University of Hyderabad

The Telangana government's decision to clear 400 acres of forest land near the University of Hyderabad (UoH) for an IT park has sparked intense protests, with students and environmentalists raising concerns over the potential ecological damage. On April 1, UoH students began an indefinite class boycott to oppose the clearing of forest land in the Kancha Gachibowli area, which is situated adjacent to the university campus. The land, which was earmarked for development by the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC), is being cleared for the construction of an IT park aimed at boosting the state's IT sector.

The protests at UoH started on March 30 when students and environmental activists noticed that police forces had been deployed, along with earth-moving equipment, at the site where deforestation was taking place. Over 50 students were briefly detained by authorities after clashes broke out between the protestors and the police. Students claim that police presence and the use of heavy machinery to clear the forest have continued to escalate, and they are demanding a halt to the development work. The students have also called for the removal of police forces from the campus, stating that their protest is peaceful, and they intend to continue their boycott until their demands are met.

Environmental concerns regarding the clearance of Kancha Gachibowli Forest (KGF) have been voiced by several groups. Researchers have warned that clearing the forest could have severe ecological consequences, including a rise in local temperatures by as much as 1 to 4 degrees Celsius. Such an increase would contribute to the worsening environmental conditions in Gachibowli and its surrounding areas, potentially harming the region's biodiversity. KGF is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a vital area for local ecosystems.

The protests and the concerns raised by environmentalists have caught the attention of local authorities. The Telangana High Court is currently hearing two public interest litigations (PILs) against the deforestation. The petitioners are seeking the protection of the disputed forest land, and the court has promised to address the pleas urgently. As the legal proceedings continue, tensions remain high between the protestors, authorities, and the Telangana government.

In conclusion, the clearing of forest land in Kancha Gachibowli for the IT park project has become a point of contention, with students, environmentalists, and local authorities at odds. While the development project is part of the state's efforts to expand its IT infrastructure, concerns over the ecological impact and the preservation of local biodiversity have led to widespread protests. As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government and the court will address these environmental concerns.

Source: Outlook Business