​Hyderabad University protest: HC suspends work on 400-acre land, Centre seeks report from Telangana govt​

Protests continue at the University of Hyderabad over state government's land development plans. Telangana High Court orders work suspension until April 3.

Students at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) have been protesting against the state government's plans to develop 400 acres of land bordering the university. The Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) initiated development work on the site on March 30, but students, faculty members, and environmentalists argue that this would harm the biodiversity and ecosystem of the area. The protests gained momentum due to concerns over tree cutting, deforestation, and loss of wildlife in the biodiversity-rich Kancha Gachibowli region.

On April 1, the University of Hyderabad Students' Union (UoHSU) and the University of Hyderabad Teachers' Association (UHTA) led protests, demanding the withdrawal of police from the campus and the removal of machinery from the site. The protests were met with resistance from the police, who halted a rally and reportedly "lathi-charged" some students, though police officials denied the claims. Despite this, protests continued as students voiced concerns over the development plans.

In response to the petitions, the Telangana High Court on April 2 ordered a temporary halt to the development work on the 400-acre land until April 3. The court heard a batch of PILs seeking an order to stop the clearing of trees and vegetation. Petitioners argued that the land clearing violated the Forest Conservation Act, as well as the Water, Land, and Trees Act (WALTA). The court posted the matter for further hearing on April 3, as the legal battle over the land's ownership and ecological impact continues.

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change intervened by directing the Telangana government to submit a factual report regarding the alleged illegal clearing of vegetation and tree cutting on the 400-acre site. The ministry raised concerns about the loss of wildlife and damage to the unique rock formations in the area. Additionally, the ministry instructed the state's Additional Chief Secretary (Forests) to take legal action against the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) for violating forest and wildlife laws.

The Telangana government argues that the land in question is not part of the University of Hyderabad’s jurisdiction and has always been earmarked for industrial purposes. However, the UoH's registrar contradicted the government's claims, stating that the boundary of the land had not been finalized. The government also insists that the development work complies with legal guidelines, but the petitioners presented evidence that tree-cutting was continuing without proper clearance, raising concerns about deforestation and environmental degradation.

The case is set for further hearings on April 3. The High Court has ordered the government to halt all work on the land until then. Meanwhile, the protests continue, with students and environmental activists demanding the protection of the site’s flora and fauna. The legal proceedings will determine whether the development work will resume, as well as the future of the 400-acre site, which remains at the centre of a growing conflict between environmental concerns and industrial development plans.