Environmental activists and nature lovers have invited Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and his Cabinet ministers to personally visit Kancha Gachibowli and witness its rich biodiversity. This invitation follows the Chief Minister’s statement in the Telangana Assembly dismissing the presence of wildlife in the area and labeling protests against the government’s land auction as politically motivated.
The Telangana government has proposed developing multi-infrastructure projects, including an IT park, on 400 acres of government-owned land in Rangareddy district. However, environmentalists argue that this land is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, as documented in a joint study conducted by the University of Hyderabad and the World Wide Fund for Nature India in 2008-09. They believe this development will lead to irreversible ecological damage.
The Government’s Plan vs. Environmental Concerns
A Vision for Economic Growth or a Threat to Nature?
The Telangana government aims to transform Kancha Gachibowli into a world-class business and IT hub, attracting multinational companies and boosting the state’s economy. CM Revanth Reddy has stated that the land does not belong to the University of Hyderabad but was reclaimed from a sports management company after being allotted to them 25 years ago.
Environmentalists, however, have raised concerns over the lack of due process in the government’s auction plans. They argue that the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation is proceeding with the auction without completing the Supreme Court-ordered survey to determine whether the land qualifies as a forest area. Additionally, they claim that the auction is taking place without conducting the mandatory environmental impact assessment.
Activists’ Challenge: Walk Through the Land, See the Wildlife
A group of conservationists under Save City Forest has extended an open invitation to CM Reddy and his ministers, urging them to leave behind their official vehicles and explore Kancha Gachibowli on foot, armed with binoculars, jungle hats, and backpacks. They believe that experiencing the area firsthand will help decision-makers understand the ecological significance of the land.
“This invitation to witness the thriving wildlife may lead to a change of heart and encourage the government to withdraw the auction,” said a spokesperson from Save City Forest.
Biodiversity of Kancha Gachibowli: A Natural Habitat at Risk
Documented Wildlife in the Region
Researchers and environmentalists have documented a wide variety of species in Survey No. 25 of Kancha Gachibowli, reinforcing their argument that the land should be preserved. Some of the notable species include:
- Mammals: Spotted deer, wild boars, Indian grey mongoose, four-horned antelope, porcupines, rabbits
- Reptiles: Spectacled cobra, common krait, Russell’s viper, saw-scaled viper, rock python, star tortoise
- Birds: Peacocks, honey buzzards, Indian pitta, eagle owls, spotted owls
In addition to these species, reports from early 2019 mention the sighting of a leopard in the Kancha Gachibowli region, causing concern among students and faculty at the University of Hyderabad and nearby institutions such as the International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics.
Evidence of Spotted Deer Deaths and Poaching
Environmentalists have also highlighted past incidents of poaching and predation. Between 2016 and 2017, forest officials assisted in the removal of at least 30 spotted deer carcasses, many of which were reportedly killed by poachers or attacked by wild dogs.
Clash Over Kancha Gachibowli: Development vs. Nature
Telangana’s Chief Minister Revanth Reddy isn’t mincing words in the battle over Kancha Gachibowli. During a fiery assembly debate, he dismissed claims that the area is a wildlife hotspot, quipping, “There are no tigers or deer here — just some sly ‘foxes’ blocking progress.” The jab, aimed at critics of his development plans, has ruffled feathers. Conservationists, students, and locals argue the remark trivializes legitimate fears about bulldozing forests and biodiversity loss.
Reddy’s Vision: Jobs, growth, and shiny infrastructure.
Critics’ Fear: Concrete jungles replacing actual ones.
The pushback is louder than a monsoon storm. Protests have exploded, with everyone from Hyderabad University students (armed with research papers) to retirees who’ve picnicked in Gachibowli for decades joining forces. Even Instagram is flooded with SaveGachibowli posts.
Who’s Fighting?
- Save City Forest: Eco-warriors and worried residents.
- Hyderabad Uni’s Brain Trust: Students and alumni slamming the govt with data on rare species found here.
- Everyday Folks: “We already breathe pollution — don’t take our trees too.”
Their Demands? Simple:
- Stop the land auction — now.
- Redo the environmental study — without shady shortcuts.
- Save the green space — no loopholes.
- Actually talk to experts and locals — not just builders.