Kancha Gachibowli

Disclaimer:

This article is written in good faith, based on personal research, conversations, publicly available data, and constitutionally guaranteed rights under Article 19(1)(a), the right to freedom of speech and expression. It is not meant to defame, mislead, or target any individual or institution, including government bodies or departments. The aim is to raise awareness and contribute to constructive public dialogue so that my fellow animals and I can live and breathe peacefully.

At the same time, I am mindful of Article 51A(g) of the Indian Constitution, which states that it is the fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife. This article is an attempt to fulfill that duty as a responsible citizen.

Any unintentional factual errors, if present, are open to correction.

First of all, let's understand what the issue is and what the students and citizens are protesting. 

The government planned to develop a 400-acre patch in Hyderabad into IT parks, which, according to their estimation, could bring in 50000 crore in investments and create around 5 lakh jobs (I read this in the Indian Express). It's clear why this looks like a big economic opportunity. But this patch is not just empty land. It's a green space that's been part of the University of Hyderabad's ecosystem. Students and citizens protested because it's a rare urban forest that's still alive inside the city. I support their stand. And here's why... based on facts, legal rulings, and environmental studies. Wait, before scolding or praising me... read it completely.

Is it really a forest or just a rocky green cover?

Honestly, I've only been to the University of Hyderabad once or twice and never went inside the so-called forest. But I spoke to a few alumni as well as a few people from HCU who know the place well. They said this land is much more than rocks and bushes. As per them, it's a naturally grown forest with native trees, birds, butterflies, reptiles, and even animals you won't usually see in cities. It's a peaceful, living ecosystem that supports biodiversity and adds value to the student environment.

Before writing this, I spent nearly a week reading news reports, expert opinions, legal documents, and research studies. 

For example... The Supreme Court's Godavarman judgment (1996) says clearly: any land that behaves like a forest, even if not marked in official records, should be treated as a forest. And this 400-acre patch fits that definition well.

Is this just about land?

No, this is not just about land. This is about the environment and public health. Hyderabad currently has only around 12.9 percent of green cover. Losing this forest means removing nearly 2 percent of our city's total forest cover in one go. That drop might look small on paper but has serious effects. 

Removing the forest could raise local temperatures by 1 to 4 degrees Celsius, worsen the urban heat, and increase flooding due to loss of groundwater absorption. (I found this in the Times of India, Indian Express or the Hindu... I forgot the exact source.) These trees help regulate climate, clean the air, and store carbon. Once removed, it's a done deal. We can not get it back overnight.

What biodiversity are we talking about?

As per https://ebird.org/hotspot/L953947/bird-list, over 233 species of birds have been recorded in this area... Honestly, many of them I can't even pronounce properly... By the way, deer and peacocks are obvious there.. I have seen those innocents with my own eyes.

What was the government's plan?

As I already mentioned, the government wanted to auction the land to IT companies. But after public protests, media attention, and court interventions, they paused the auction and suggested building an eco-park instead. They even offered land and money to the university.

But... can the university be relocated?

Honestly, if you ask me, I never upvote that... While the eco-park idea is very good and needed, shifting a central university isn't simple. This land has been home to students, researchers, and wildlife for decades. The forest and the university have coexisted peacefully for tens of years. So why disturb it now?

Why protect this forest when much of the city is already developed?

This is the same duck question many are asking. Yes, much of Hyderabad once had forests, and so did many cities across the world. But if we continue removing green spaces just because we've already lost others, we'll end up with none. This 400-acre patch is one of the last major urban green spaces. That's exactly why it should be saved.

I still remember one representative from the current government during a TV5 debate on HYDRAA when asked about Congress also being responsible for previous land allocations. He said something I firmly support "How" long do we keep digging without putting a full stop? We need to stop somewhere so that it doesn't happen again." That line hit me. It's not about blaming past governments but about deciding when to stop and take a different direction is in short. Well, good..

He also mentioned that people often speak about their fundamental rights, but rarely about fundamental duties. And he's absolutely right. As per our Constitution, Article 51 A (g), it is our duty to protect the environment. It's not just the government's job... it's ours too. Protecting this forest is not just activism; it's part of being a responsible citizen.

Is there no alternative?

There is. Hyderabad has plenty of degraded or unused land that can host IT parks. There is no strong reason to clear a thriving forest when other options are available. Development can and should happen but not at the cost of natural ecosystems.

What can the government do now?

We know the government has larger goals... I mean, development, investment, and employment. And this patch of land did look like an opportunity. But now that people have spoken, and courts have stepped in, there's an opportunity to build trust too. Here's what the government can do, not just to protect the forest, but also to reassure the people:

- It's better to leave it as it is... If possible, plant more.

My final comment:

Dude, this isn't about opposing progress or the govnt... It's about calming fears, building a bridge between people and policy. If done right, this project can show the world that Hyderabad doesn’t just grow... it grows responsibly.

Like how Mumbai has Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Chennai has Guindy National Park, and Delhi has the Ridge, and many cities have many where they found ways to live alongside forests; Hyderabad can and should do it too.

It's about doing it the right way. A city's progress should not depend on cutting down one of its last remaining forests. Hyderabad deserves both... and we deserve both... I mean, growth and greenery. Let's make sure we don't lose one in the name of the other.

I stand with the 400-acre forest in Kancha Gachibowli. Not just because it's green, but because it's wise. I'm not an ecologist, but whenever I pass by any green area, I feel the chills. That peace, that drop in temperature, that silence... it's something you can't recreate with glass and steel. I've observed the same during my long rides too...

What about animals?

Ahhh... when did we even consider their count seriously? I thought of mentioning their perspective too, but the entire debate has moved in a completely different direction from both parties... at least most of them. Anyway, if we can keep the green space as it is, they live. If not, they die because you kill them if they come on roads (poor animals are coming on roads because we are bulldozing their houses; remember that). That's the harsh truth. And you and I don't feed them... so don't worry about that part. What we can do is save more and more and more... But yeah, a new car launched? We'll talk about its engine. Engine? Sorry, actually, we'll discuss the body color. I'm pretty sure that if plants didn't give us oxygen, there would be less than half the voices than whatever we are having today.

Live.Long.India.