Central Government Requests Report from Telangana on Land Clearance Near Hyderabad University
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Synopsis
The central government has requested a report from Telangana regarding the clearing of 400 acres in Kancha Gachibowli, adjacent to Hyderabad Central University. This follows allegations of illegal tree felling and environmental damage, prompting protests from students and activists.
Key Takeaways
- The Centre demands immediate action report from Telangana.
- 400 acres in Kancha Gachibowli are being cleared.
- Illegal vegetation removal allegedly by TGIIC.
- Protests ongoing from students and environmentalists.
- Telangana High Court halts tree felling temporarily.
Hyderabad, April 2 (NationPress) The central government has requested a report from the Telangana administration regarding the clearing of 400 acres of land in Kancha Gachibowli, situated close to the Hyderabad Central University.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Wednesday demanded an immediate factual report and action taken report from the state's Additional Chief Secretary, Forest.
In its communication, the Union Ministry stated that it had received information about the illegal cutting down and removal of vegetation in Kancha Gachibowli village by the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC).
Additionally, various news outlets and social media platforms have reported allegations concerning harm to the wildlife, lakes, and unique rock formations located in that area.
The letter also noted that the Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change received representations from Members of Parliament and other public representatives regarding the issue.
The Ministry has urged the state to initiate legal action in accordance with the Indian Forest Act (or local Forest Act), the Wildlife Protection Act, and the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam. The state Forest Department has been instructed to ensure compliance with all laws and court orders.
The Telangana High Court on Wednesday temporarily halted the cutting of trees and any other activity on the land near Hyderabad Central University until Thursday.
This interim order was issued while addressing the Public Interest Litigations filed by HCU students and the Vata Foundation.
Students have reported that bulldozers were still seen clearing trees, even after the High Court's directive.
HCU students, environmental activists, and opposition parties have been protesting against the state government's initiative to clear this land for IT park development. They accuse the government of environmental destruction and are demanding an immediate cessation of work.
Protests continued on campus Wednesday, with teachers and staff joining students in advocating for the preservation of the forested area.
The atmosphere on campus has been tense, marked by clashes between police and protestors. Authorities prevented students and faculty from marching towards the university's East Campus.
The TGIIC has deployed over 40 JCBs to clear the region, which hosts numerous animal and bird species, along with lakes and mushroom rocks.
Students are calling for the immediate removal of JCBs from the site and a written commitment from the university to ensure the land is registered under its management.
The state government asserts that this is government land being utilized to construct IT parks for job creation among youth.
