Hyderabad Central University Land Issue: Protests, Legal Actions, and Government Response
The University of Hyderabad (HCU) is at the center of a major controversy over the state government's decision to auction 400 acres of land near the Kancha Gachibowli area. The move has sparked widespread protests, legal battles, and heated political debates, making it one of the most discussed topics in Telangana.
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The Land Dispute
The Telangana government recently announced plans to auction land adjoining HCU to develop an IT park and commercial hubs. This decision has drawn strong opposition from students, environmental activists, and political leaders. Protesters argue that this land has historical and ecological significance, providing a green cover that benefits not just the university but the entire city.
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Student Protests and Clashes with Police
Since mid-March 2025, students have been staging demonstrations, demanding the preservation of the land. The situation escalated on April 2, 2025, when police used force to disperse student protesters near the university's east campus. Reports suggest that police resorted to lathi charges to control the crowd, leading to tensions between law enforcement and the student community. The students claim that the clearing of land is happening without proper approvals and is harmful to the local ecosystem.
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Legal Interventions and Court Orders
The protests have also led to legal action. Several petitions were filed against the land auction, citing environmental concerns. Responding to these pleas, the Telangana High Court issued a temporary order halting land-clearing activities. Following this, the Supreme Court of India also intervened, directing the state government to stop all activities in the disputed area, except those necessary to protect existing trees. The court emphasized the need for environmental impact assessments before taking any further action. A final hearing on the matter is expected later in April 2025.
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Political Reactions and Public Outrage
The issue has also become a major political battleground. The opposition party, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), led by K. Taraka Rama Rao (KTR), has strongly criticized the Congress-led state government. KTR has promised that if BRS returns to power, they will cancel the auction and convert the land into Telangana’s largest ecological park. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has defended the government’s decision, arguing that the project aims to boost Hyderabad’s IT sector and attract investments.
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Ongoing Protests and Student Demands
Despite the legal rulings, students continue their protests. A relay hunger strike was launched on April 3, 2025, demanding an immediate halt to deforestation and the removal of security forces from the campus. Protesters are also calling for the land to be officially registered under HCU’s name to prevent future disputes. Many students and faculty members fear that allowing commercial projects near the university will compromise academic freedom and disturb the peaceful campus environment.
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What’s Next?
The situation remains tense as all parties await further legal and governmental decisions. The fate of the disputed land will depend on upcoming court rulings and potential negotiations between the university administration and the Telangana government. Until then, the protests are likely to continue, keeping the issue in the public eye.
Stay tuned for further updates on this ongoing issue, as the legal, environmental, and political consequences continue to unfold.