The proposed 400-acre IT park project in Kancha Gachibowli is facing significant delays as legal and environmental clearance issues come to the forefront. A key aspect of the controversy is the ongoing dispute over the land’s ownership, with claims that it belongs either to the Telangana state government or the University of Hyderabad (UOH). Legal experts point out that while the land is not officially designated as a reserve forest, its classification as a ‘deemed forest’ due to its natural vegetation could make it subject to stringent environmental regulations.
According to legal documents and environmental advocates, several essential clearances and permissions must be secured before any large-scale development project can be undertaken on the land, particularly due to its ecological sensitivity and the public interest it involves. The document titled “Safeguarding Nature: Clearances & NOCs for Development Projects on Sensitive Public Land”, released by the Human Rights and Consumer Protection Cell Trust, underscores the importance of complying with a range of regulatory frameworks before converting land for commercial use.
One of the primary concerns raised by environmentalists is that even though the land is not officially recognised as a reserve forest, its status as a deemed forest could trigger the application of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. This Act and other relevant laws, such as the Water Land and Trees Act (WALTA), are invoked when the natural vegetation and biodiversity of the land are threatened. These regulations are designed to prevent unchecked commercial development that could disrupt local ecosystems and the environment. Beyond the legal ownership dispute, several regulatory clearances are crucial for the project to move forward. Under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, large-scale construction projects, especially those exceeding 20,000 square meters, require an environmental clearance. This includes an assessment of the potential ecological impact of the development, which could involve tree cutting, land-use change, and the disruption of natural water systems. If the land contains water bodies, additional permissions from the Hyderabad Disaster Response Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRAA) and the Lake Protection Committee are also mandatory.
Furthermore, as part of the project’s construction process, if it involves the emission of waste, effluents, or air pollutants, the developers must obtain the Consent for Establishment (CFE) and Consent for Operation (CFO) from the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB). Experts also highlighted the absence of a sewage treatment plant (STP) in the Serilingampally area, which contributes to water pollution in the Krishna Basin—a concern that requires urgent addressing before the project can proceed. In addition to environmental clearances, land-use conversion permissions will be needed if the area is not already zoned for industrial or commercial purposes. These approvals are typically sought from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) or the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA). The revenue department also plays a crucial role in verifying the land’s ownership, ensuring that no part of the area includes assigned land, Waqf land, or any protected water bodies.
On the national level, projects of this magnitude, especially in sensitive ecological zones, require clearance from the central government, particularly when the area is identified as a Category A project due to its scale and environmental significance. In cases where the development poses a risk to local biodiversity or involves protected species, clearance from the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) or the State Biodiversity Authority (SBA) would also be necessary. Moreover, if any protected monuments or heritage zones lie within 300 meters of the land, permission from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) would be a requisite. Height clearances for buildings, particularly in areas close to airports, must also be sought from the Civil Aviation Authority, and independent ecological surveys, including GIS mapping, are essential to ensure the land-use classification complies with regional development plans.
For this project to move ahead, DMRC and other stakeholders must navigate these complex legal and environmental challenges. These clearances and permissions are not just regulatory hurdles but crucial steps in ensuring that the development aligns with sustainability goals, protects the environment, and respects the rights of local communities. As the legal battle over land ownership continues and these environmental and regulatory approvals are obtained, it remains to be seen when the Kancha Gachibowli IT park can take shape. The project, while promising significant economic benefits, must first pass these critical tests to ensure that development does not come at the cost of environmental degradation or public well-being.
Legal Challenges and Ecological Concerns Delay IT Park in Gachibowli
