Fight To Save Kancha Gachibowli Not Over Yet: KTR
The BRS leader condemned the Telangana government's alleged smear campaign and intimidation tactics against the students of the HCU.
Hyderabad | 6th April 2025
Addressing the ongoing student movement to protect the 400-acre Kancha Gachibowli forest, BRS working president K T Rama Rao today issued an open letter condemning the Telangana government's alleged smear campaign and intimidation tactics against the students of the Hyderabad Central University (HCU).
KTR accused the government of undermining a genuine environmental movement by spreading misinformation, such as the proposed construction of an "eco park" on the forest land. He called these actions a deliberate conspiracy aimed at diverting public attention and suppressing a just cause.
"Movements born out of selflessness always succeed," KTR wrote, expressing gratitude to the HCU students, environmental activists, public figures, the media and the wider community for standing up for nature.
Commending the students' unwavering resistance to protect the ecologically sensitive area, home to hundreds of species, KTR said said that their activism set an inspiring example for the entire country.
He said that the forest needed to be permanently protected, and pledged that the struggle would continue until the government completely withdrew from any plans to auction or alter the land.
KTR also alleged that the State government was secretly planning to shift the university to a so-called Fourth City, and accused the Chief Minister's office and the Congress leaders of acting like real estate agents rather than public servants.
"For over 50 years, the HCU campus has stood as a symbol of ecological balance and academic excellence - far more meaningful than any artificial eco park. Destroying it in the name of development is nothing short of a betrayal of our future," KTR said.
He said that while one phase of the struggle might be won, the fight was far from over, and urged the people of Telangana - especially the students and environmental advocates - to continue the united and peaceful resistance.
He also called on the government to immediately halt all auction-related proceedings.
filed in: K T Rama Rao, BRS, Land Issues, Protests, Agitations, Universities, University Of Hyderabad, Wildlife, Environment, Forests, Real Estate, Hyderabad Real Estate, Students, Telangana Students