BJP Legislators Call for Dharmendra Pradhan's Intervention to Protect 400 Acres Near Hyderabad University
Click to start listening
Synopsis
BJP MPs from Telangana requested Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's intervention to protect 400 acres of land in Kancha Gachibowli, which is ecologically vital and home to unique biodiversity, from being auctioned by the Telangana government.
Key Takeaways
- 400 acres of land near Hyderabad University at risk.
- BJP MPs urge intervention from Dharmendra Pradhan.
- Land is ecologically significant with rich biodiversity.
- Community protests against auction highlight public concern.
- Call for environmental assessment and sustainable options.
Hyderabad, April 1 (NationPress) BJP legislators from Telangana on Tuesday appealed to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to take action and safeguard 400 acres of land in Kancha Gachibowli, adjacent to the Hyderabad Central University campus.
A group of MPs, led by Union Minister for Mines and Telangana BJP president G. Kishan Reddy, met with Pradhan in Delhi and presented a memorandum.
The delegation comprised Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar, along with MPs Arvind Dharampuri, Eatala Rajender, K. Vishweshwar Reddy, and G. Nagesh.
The BJP MPs requested Dharmendra Pradhan’s intervention to preserve this ‘ecological and heritage land,’ which the Telangana government intends to auction.
“This land, characterized by unique rock formations, rich biodiversity, and essential green cover, is crucial for maintaining the environmental balance of our city,” the memorandum states.
The MPs emphasized that this area, located near the University of Hyderabad, is not merely a real estate opportunity; it acts as a carbon sink, hosting 734 plant species, 220 bird species, and endangered species such as the Indian star tortoise. Additionally, it features two lakes—Peacock Lake and Buffalo Lake—that support local biodiversity. “Furthermore, the iconic Mushroom Rock formation, a testament to our geological heritage, is part of this landscape,” it noted.
The Union minister was made aware that the University of Hyderabad community, including students, faculty, and local residents, has vehemently opposed this auction. A major protest took place at Mushroom Rock on March 10, and a petition demanding the cancellation of the auction has garnered over 22,000 signatures. The MPs asserted that these concerns should not be overlooked.
“The Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC) aims to develop and monetize this land. However, the state government has not clarified whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been conducted or if alternative development strategies that balance urbanization with conservation have been considered, which is concerning,” they expressed.
The MPs urged the government, through the Union Minister, to promptly investigate options to suspend the land auction process, establish a review committee to assess its ecological importance, and seek sustainable alternatives.
Bandi Sanjay highlighted how these lands, abundant in 700 medicinal plants and 220 bird species, are an environmental treasure for Hyderabad. He alleged that the Congress government is shamelessly pursuing it for real estate profits worth thousands of crores.
Stating that HCU students and Hyderabad citizens are already protesting, the Union Minister of State accused the government of disregarding the public outcry.
