Bollywood actor John Abraham has strongly opposed the Telangana government’s proposal to develop the IT industry on a 400-acre plot of land in Kancha Gachibowli, adjacent to the University of Hyderabad (UoH). Taking to the social media platform X, the actor called on Telangana’s CM, Revanth Anumula, to halt the development project.
For the uninitiated, the proposal has triggered widespread opposition, with student groups and environmental activists sounding the alarm over the potential ecological consequences of the development. Their primary concern is the loss of vital green cover and the negative impact it could have on the environment and biodiversity.
In light of these concerns, the Supreme Court of India intervened, instructing the Telangana government to cease all activities on the land – except for efforts aimed at protecting the trees.
In response to the Supreme Court’s directive, the Telangana government has decided to form a committee of ministers to hold discussions with the UoH executive committee, civil society groups, students, and other stakeholders. The goal is to address concerns and work towards a solution regarding the land parcel adjacent to the university.
Kancha Gachibowli, a 400-acre area in Hyderabad, is a significant urban forest rich in biodiversity. It hosts over 700 plant species, including numerous trees and shrubs that contribute to the city’s green cover. The area supports approximately 237 bird species, including migratory birds, and is home to wildlife such as spotted deer, wild boars, Indian star tortoises, monitor lizards, and snakes like the Indian rock python.
Among these species, eight are listed in the schedules of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides varying degrees of protection to wildlife in India.
The proposed development in Kancha Gachibowli threatens the habitats of various species, including spotted deer, peacocks, Indian rollers, star tortoises, the Hyderabad tree trunk spider, and the Bengal monitor lizard. Additionally, the area encompasses two vital lakes – Peacock Lake and Buffalo Lake – that serve as essential water sources and nesting grounds for numerous bird species.
