KTR Appeals to PM Modi for Investigation into Kancha Gachibowli Forest Devastation
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Synopsis
K. T. Rama Rao of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi has urged PM Modi to investigate the alleged destruction of Kancha Gachibowli forest and a significant financial scam involving Rs 10,000 crore. He accuses the Telangana government of serious fraud and emphasizes the need for environmental protection.
Key Takeaways
- K. T. Rama Rao demands investigation into forest destruction.
- Allegations of a Rs 10,000 crore financial scam by the Telangana government.
- Importance of Kancha Gachibowli forest for biodiversity.
- Supreme Court's involvement in confirming financial irregularities.
- Call for accountability from Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
Hyderabad, April 18 (NationPress) Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao on Friday called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate an inquiry into the purported destruction of the Kancha Gachibowli forest and a colossal Rs 10,000 crore financial scandal.
In a public message disseminated on 'X', Rao urged PM Modi to showcase his dedication to environmental protection by launching a prompt investigation.
KTR, as the BRS leader is commonly referred to, accused the Congress-led state government under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, of executing a significant fraud.
The issue revolves around the devastation of over 400 acres of ecologically vital forest land in Kancha Gachibowli, adjacent to the University of Hyderabad, which KTR termed an “environmental disaster” and a “serious financial fraud”.
The forest, which hosts peacocks, deer, and several endangered species, plays a crucial role in maintaining groundwater levels in Hyderabad but was allegedly cleared to make way for an IT park and other infrastructure projects, despite opposition from students, environmentalists, and a Supreme Court order halting auction activities, he remarked.
KTR claimed that the Telangana government mortgaged 400 acres of Kancha Gachibowli land that lacked legal title to secure a Rs 10,000 crore loan via intermediaries, without obtaining necessary environmental clearances or approvals from the Forest Department. “This isn’t merely about biodiversity loss; it’s a Rs 10,000 crore scam orchestrated by the Congress government,” he expressed.
He highlighted that the Supreme Court’s Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has identified financial discrepancies and suggested investigations by central agencies like the CBI, RBI, SEBI, SFIO, and CVC, to which BRS has provided evidence.
Referring to PM Modi’s remarks on April 14 in Haryana that condemned deforestation in Telangana, KTR questioned if they were merely “lip service”.
He urged PM Modi to hasten investigations to affirm his commitment to environmental issues and counter allegations of collusion between the BJP and Congress. “It’s time to show Telangana that BJP and Congress aren’t colluding and that you genuinely care about environmental conservation,” KTR stated.
KTR accused CM Reddy of orchestrating the scam and diverting blame, dismissing the latter’s assertion that no wildlife exists in Kancha Gachibowli. A report from the Telangana High Court Registrar confirmed the presence of diverse fauna, contradicting CM Reddy.
KTR also condemned the mortgaging of a water body within the land as reckless, demanding accountability from CM Reddy.
“Leaders like Revanth Reddy, who shamelessly exploit systems, must be exposed,” he asserted.
