■ TGIIC clarifies that the 400-acre Kancha Gachibowli land is government property, not forest land.

■ Buffalo Lake and Peacock Lake are not part of the disputed land parcel, ensuring their preservation.

■ TGIIC commits to preserving Mushroom Rock and green spaces as part of its development plan.

■ Over 27,000+ people and counting sign a petition within three days to oppose the auction, citing environmental concerns.

■ UoH Students' Union, faculty, and activists protest, demanding land ownership transfer to the university.

■ A JAC is formed to escalate the fight for Kancha Gachibowli’s ecological protection.

mahesh avadhutha I hyderabad

The Kancha Gachibowli Village has become the bone of contention ever since the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation’s (TGIIC) move to auction 400 acres of land in Kancha Gachibowli has sparked strong opposition from local residents and environmentalists.

The students and faculty of the University of Hyderabad and environmental activists are up in arms and state that auction could endanger the region’s rich flora and fauna, urging authorities to reconsider their decision in the interest of environmental conservation and future generations.

In response to concerns being raised over the development of 400 acres of government land in Survey No. 25, Kancha Gachibowli Village, Serilingampally Mandal, Ranga Reddy district, the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) has released relevant details and background data to clarify facts pertaining to the status of land, preservation of rocks formations and if any lakes are part of that said land

The 400-acre parcel in Kancha Gachibowli has always been classified as government land and not forest land, as per TGIIC. This has been validated through revenue records and confirmed by the Deputy Collector & Tahsildar, Serilingampally Mandal.

Furthermore, the Buffalo Lake and Peacock Lake are not part of this land parcel. TGIIC's development plan does not encroach upon these water bodies, ensuring their preservation.

The land was initially allotted to IMG Academies Bharata Pvt Ltd in 2004 for a sports project. However, after the project failed to take off, the allotment was revoked in 2006. A legal battle ensued, with the High Court ruling in favour of the government on March 7, 2024, followed by the Supreme Court dismissing an appeal on May 3, 2024, thus securing the land in the name of the government.

TGIIC has worked closely with the University of Hyderabad (UoH) to ensure a proper boundary demarcation. A joint survey was conducted on July 19, 2024, with officials from UoH and the Revenue Department present, successfully establishing the land's official boundaries.

Preservation of Rock Formations & Sustainable Development

TGIIC has undertaken significant efforts to preserve the natural rock formations, including the iconic Mushroom Rock, by designating them as green spaces within the layout. Additionally, a detailed Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is being developed to ensure sustainable urban growth.

To advance the project, TGIIC has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) on February 28, 2025, for transaction advisory services to optimize the master plan and facilitate the auction process, similar to past successful infrastructure projects.

The development of the land aligns with the government's strategy to build world-class IT infrastructure, enhance connectivity, and promote sustainable urban growth. TGIIC stated that it remains committed to transparency, responsible planning, and preserving natural heritage while driving economic progress.

Conduct an expert ecological assessment of the land: UoH students

The University of Hyderabad Students’ Union (UoHSU) led a protest march on campus, on Thursday, rallying against the auction. Protesters, including students, faculty members, and environmental activists, gathered at the East Campus and marched to 'save' the land, carrying placards that read, "Resist the land grab. Reclaim our university. Save the rocks."

The UoHSU has demanded that the Telangana government immediately halt the auction process, conduct an expert ecological assessment of the land, transfer legal ownership of the land to UoH Additionally, a Joint Action Committee has been formed, comprising representatives from the Students' Union, Teaching Association, and Workers' Union, to intensify efforts to protect the land.