Kancha Gachibowli land row: UOH refutes scrapping of project, campus relocation

Hyderabad: The University of Hyderabad has refuted reports about the scrapping of the Kancha Gachibowli land development project and the relocation of the UoH campus.

This follows several reports on social media on the possible scrapping of project development in the 400-acre land in Kancha Gachibowli, and relocation of University of Hyderabad (UoH) campus.

Telangana government has claimed that 400 acres of longed belonged to the state.

The government intends to develop world-class infrastructure in this government land through the Telangana Government Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Limited (TGIIC). It is bracing up to invite tenders for the integrated development of this land.

According to the reports, Telangana government is planning to scrap the project. It plans to convert 2000 acre land, including UoH campus land into largest eco-park. According to reports, it plans to shift the UoH campus to another place.

This news comes two days after the Supreme Court ordered the state government to stop all developmental activities and the ongoing clearing of the green cover at 400-acre land in Kancha Gachibowli until further orders, and requested the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to visit the site and submit its report before April 16 as to what has been done by the State about the felled trees.

Meanwhile, the Telangana High Court has adjourned tree felling at the 400-acre Kancha Gachibowli land to April 7 for filing of a counter affidavit.

Speaking to NewsMeter, UoH Registrar Divesh Nigam said, "There is no such letter or information on scrapping of project conveyed to us by the government. Even if such proposal is given, we will have to have discuss with the Executive Committee, and Central Government and take a decision accordingly,".

UOHSU vice-president Akash said, "We do not have any confirmation if the government plans to scrap the project. It might be the government's ploy to divert the issue. If such things happen and the government has plans to relocate the campus, we would go for a bigger protest. How can the campus be relocated? Why don't they leave the place as it is?"

What is the hurry? SC asks Telangana government

During the earlier hearing, the court referred to the pictures showing peacocks and deer fleeing from the region amid the destruction activities, and asked what the hurry is. “The committee for forest land was constituted in Telangana on March 15. What was the ‘alarming urgency’ in cutting down the trees when the statutory exercise to identify the forest lands was yet to commence?” the court noted.

The court asked the chief secretary of the State of Telangana to file an affidavit answering specific queries:

1. What was the compelling urgency to undertake the developmental activities, including the removal of trees from the alleged forest area?

2. Whether for such development activity, the State obtained the Environmental Impact Assessment certification?

3. Whether requisite permissions from the forest authorities or any other local statutes have been obtained or not for felling trees?

4. What is the necessity of having officers in the committee constituted by Telangana since prima facie they have nothing to do with the identification of forests?