Protests erupt in Hyderabad over 400-acre land auction by Telangana Govt

Hyderabad: Demonstrations have taken place opposing the Telangana government's deforestation of approximately 400 acres on the Hyderabad Central University campus. The government plans to auction the land for development purposes.

In 1975, Hyderabad Central University stated that it was granted 2,324 acres of land. Currently, the Congress government in Telangana is preparing to auction a 400-acre portion of this land, which has led to intense protests against the government's decision.

Immediate ban on auction

Union Minister Kishan Reddy has called for an urgent stop to the auction of 400 acres of land surrounding the University of Hyderabad (UoH) and has halted the cutting down of trees due to environmental and local wildlife concerns. Students of Hyderabad Central University have also strongly protested against the government.

The students argue that the 400 acres up for auction are not merely forests but also encompass the area's biodiversity. There has been significant uproar regarding the auction and removal of these 400 acres of land. It should be noted that this area is home to various wildlife, including 237 bird species and rare turtle species.

BRS and BJP party attacked

The BRS and BJP parties have accused the Telangana government. BRS working president and MLA Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao condemned the government regarding the 400 acres of contested land at Hyderabad Central University. He questioned why the government is targeting valuable environmental land and jeopardizing the current city for future generations when there are 14,000 acres available in Future City for IT parks and other economic developments.

BJP's chief spokesperson NV Subhash backed the protest and harshly criticized the police's actions. NV Subhash questioned when the Telangana government started acting as a real estate dealer.