The Telangana government has decided to scrap its controversial proposal to auction 400 acres of land near Gachibowli, Hyderabad.
Instead, the government has unveiled an ambitious new plan to transform the entire 2,000-acre site, which includes the University of Hyderabad (UoH) campus, into what it describes as one of the largest eco parks in the world. This radical change follows widespread protests from students, environmentalists, and local residents, who had raised serious concerns about the ecological impact of the proposed auction, including the potential destruction of trees and local biodiversity The decision comes in the wake of heightened legal scrutiny, with the Supreme Court intervening to stay all activities on the land, including tree cutting. The central government had also sought clarification from the Telangana authorities regarding the proposed auction. Now, under the revised plan, the University of Hyderabad would be relocated to a new campus in Future City, a futuristic urban development project planned for the outskirts of Hyderabad. In exchange, the university is expected to receive 100 acres of land in Future City, along with a Rs 1,000 crore investment for the development of its new campus.
While the shift to a massive eco park has been framed as a win for environmental conservation, it also raises questions about the fate of the land and its current residents. The Telangana government’s new proposal envisions a sprawling green space designed to attract eco-tourism, with plans for biodiversity studies, conservation zones, and various eco-friendly amenities. These would include wildlife conservation areas, walking trails, cycling paths, and even dedicated spaces for birds, butterflies, and turtles. A key feature of the eco park will be its observatories, which will provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, drawing inspiration from some of the world’s largest urban green spaces. The plan promises to use a micro-ecosystem approach, ensuring that soil types and local biodiversity are carefully studied and preserved. An expert committee of environmental scientists, conservationists, and urban planners will oversee the development, ensuring the park meets high ecological standards. However, critics have expressed reservations about the viability of such a project, especially given the ongoing land-use challenges and the impact on the existing campus of the University of Hyderabad.
For students and faculty members, the move is contentious. The university’s student union has expressed strong opposition to the proposal, arguing that relocating the institution to Future City is not a fair trade-off. They argue that 100 acres of land in exchange for over 1,600 acres currently housing the university’s vibrant academic and research ecosystem is an inequitable deal. The student body has vowed to continue their fight, calling for the university to remain in its current location, which has become an integral part of their academic identity and community.
While the Telangana government has promised compensation and a significant investment for the relocation of UoH, the dispute highlights broader concerns about urban development and environmental preservation. The protests reflect growing unease about the balance between development and sustainability, as residents and activists push for more green spaces in the face of rapid urban expansion. This development represents a pivotal moment for Hyderabad, as it grapples with the challenge of accommodating both its growing population and the need to preserve its natural heritage. The eco park plan, if successful, could set a global benchmark for how urban spaces can integrate environmental sustainability with modern infrastructure. However, it will require careful planning and widespread consensus to ensure that it meets the needs of both the environment and the people it is meant to serve. As the government pushes ahead with its revised plans, all eyes will be on the continued dialogue between authorities, environmentalists, and citizens to ensure that Hyderabad’s green future is both inclusive and sustainable.
Telangana Proposes Eco Park Over University Land
