Save HCU Forest: Why Students Are Fighting to Protect Hyderabad’s Green Lung

 Save HCU Biodiversity: Why Hyderabad’s Students Are Protesting Against Land Clearance

Save HCU Forest

A Fight for Hyderabad’s Green Future

Hyderabad is at the center of a major environmental and student-led movement as protests erupt at Hyderabad Central University (HCU). The Telangana government’s decision to clear 400 acres of ecologically rich land for commercial development has sparked outrage among students, environmentalists, and activists. But why is this happening now? Who is behind it, and why are students taking to the streets? This article explores the unfolding crisis, the legal battles, and the long-term consequences of losing this vital green space.

Why is the HCU Land Being Taken?

On April 1, 2025, bulldozers and excavation machinery were brought to clear 400 acres of land near HCU. The Telangana government claims that this land legally belongs to the state and plans to auction it for an IT park and real estate development. The estimated revenue from this sale is expected to be between ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 crore, making it one of the biggest land deals in Hyderabad’s recent history.

However, critics argue that this land is not just empty space — it is home to over 450 species of plants, animals, and birds, including rare and endangered species like:

• Indian Star Tortoise (protected under the Wildlife Act)
• Peacocks and Wild Boars
• Several migratory bird species

Environmentalists say this move will lead to irreversible damage to Hyderabad’s biodiversity, contribute to the Urban Heat Island effect, and worsen the city’s water crisis by reducing groundwater absorption.

Who is Behind the Protests?

The protests began on April 1, 2025, when students, faculty, and environmental activists blocked the entry of bulldozers into HCU’s natural reserve area.

Key groups involved in the protest:

• HCU Students Union — Leading the student protests, demanding the cancellation of land clearance.
• Vata Foundation — An environmental organization pushing legal action.
• Political Activists & Opposition Leaders — Several opposition leaders have criticized the government’s decision.

Protestors argue that the land must be declared a ‘Deemed Forest’ under India’s Forest Conservation Act to prevent further destruction.

Why is the Government Pushing for Land Clearance?

The Telangana government’s main arguments for clearing the land:

• IT and Commercial Development: The proposed IT park is expected to create thousands of jobs.
• Revenue Generation: The land auction could generate ₹10,000+ crore for Telangana’s economy.
• Legal Ownership: The state argues that the land belongs to the government and isn’t officially classified as forest land.

However, critics point out flaws in this argument, such as:

• Lack of Transparency: The government has not conducted a proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
• Ignoring HCU’s Longstanding Rights: The land has been part of the university’s natural habitat for decades.
• Impact on Climate Change & Water Crisis: Cutting trees will worsen Hyderabad’s rising temperatures and reduce groundwater levels.

What Legal Sections Are Involved?

Several laws and legal precedents are now under scrutiny:

• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 — To classify the land as a deemed forest.
• Forest Conservation Act, 1980 — To prevent destruction of ecologically significant areas.
• Environmental Protection Act, 1986 — To assess the environmental impact of the proposed IT park.
• Supreme Court’s 2024 Ruling — Which upheld that the land technically belongs to the government, although it remains disputed.

The Telangana High Court is set to hear petitions regarding this issue on April 7, 2025.

Why Are Students Protesting?

HCU students believe the government’s move prioritizes corporate interests over environmental sustainability. Their key concerns include:

• Loss of Biodiversity: The land is home to rare and endangered species.
• Urban Heat Island Effect: Large-scale deforestation increases temperatures in Hyderabad.
• Lack of Transparency: The government hasn’t consulted students or conducted a proper environmental impact study.
• Water Crisis: Cutting down trees will reduce groundwater retention, worsening Hyderabad’s water crisis.

Political and Public Reactions

Several political leaders, including BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao and BJP MPs, have criticized the Telangana government, urging national intervention. BJP MPs have requested the Union Government to protect HCU’s land, while Congress leaders are under pressure to clarify their stance on the issue.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad’s residents and environmental activists have started online campaigns under hashtags like #SaveHCU and #HCUForestMatters, demanding sustainable urban planning.

What’s Next?

As legal battles and protests continue, the fate of HCU’s green cover remains uncertain. The Telangana government is pushing forward with its auction plans, while student protests gain momentum.

This case is more than just a land dispute — it’s a fight for Hyderabad’s environmental future. If the land is cleared, it sets a dangerous precedent for further ecological destruction in the name of development.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The HCU land protest highlights the clash between economic development and environmental conservation. It raises key questions: Should urbanization come at the cost of biodiversity? Can Hyderabad afford to lose its green cover?

With student protests, legal battles, and political pressure mounting, the next few weeks will determine whether Hyderabad chooses sustainable growth or rapid commercialization.

The future of HCU’s biodiversity — and Hyderabad’s ecological balance — now lies in the hands of policymakers, activists, and the people of Telangana.

The question is: Will we stand up to save it?