University of Hyderabad Students Union Requests AICC Leader to Facilitate Damage Assessment Survey on 400 Acres

Efforts to resolve the dispute over a 400-acre land parcel near the University of Hyderabad (UoH) have intensified. Meenakshi Natarajan, AICC incharge for Telangana, met with university students and civil society groups. The UoH Students Union (UoHSU) requested that Natarajan facilitate damage assessment surveys and biodiversity data collection on the land in Kancha Gachibowli.

The UoHSU submitted a memorandum to Natarajan, demanding the withdrawal of charges against students named in various FIRs across Telangana police stations. UoHSU president Umesh Ambedkar highlighted that two individuals remain in jail. Despite a Supreme Court stay, police presence on campus continues, disrupting student life. The union called for the immediate removal of police forces.

Land Ownership Dispute

The union claims that 2,300 acres were allocated to UoH for academic purposes during Indira Gandhi's tenure as Prime Minister. They urged Natarajan to ensure the entire land, including the disputed 400 acres, is registered under the university's name. After explaining the issue to Natarajan, she promised to raise it with party leadership.

Natarajan has urged the state government to engage all stakeholders in discussions. A ministerial committee, including Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu, both UoH alumni, along with Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, has been appointed for talks. "The government should listen to students and others' objections and wait for the Supreme Court's ruling," a senior Congress leader stated.

Protests and Legal Proceedings

The Telangana government's plan to develop IT infrastructure on the 400-acre land has led to protests by the UoHSU. The matter is currently under consideration by both the Telangana High Court and Supreme Court. On April 3, the Supreme Court asked the state government to justify its urgency in clearing trees on this land and halted further activities until further notice.

Students argue that this land belongs to UoH, while the state claims ownership and states it allocated equivalent land near the campus in exchange for Kancha Gachibowli land long ago. Restrictions were imposed by Cyberabad Police on April 4, limiting entry into the area until April 16 due to law and order concerns.

Political Reactions

BRS leader K T Rama Rao addressed an open letter to students, environmentalists, and Telangana residents urging unity and peaceful resistance. He accused the Congress government of using intimidation tactics against students and undermining an environmental movement by spreading false narratives about relocating the university or building an eco-park.

The Congress leader mentioned that Kancha Gachibowli land belongs to the state government. The current administration fought legal battles to retain it. "We will hold consultations with all stakeholders and we should give patient hearing," a senior Congress leader said.

This ongoing dispute highlights tensions between development plans and environmental concerns. As legal proceedings continue, stakeholders await further developments from court rulings and government discussions.