By P Mohan Chandran
How much of our future are we willing to sacrifice for short-term profits?
What happens when the last forest in a city is bulldozed, leaving behind a wasteland of glass towers and concrete jungles? Who will speak for the voiceless — the wildlife, the trees, and the climate?
Hyderabad, a city once known for its harmonious blend of history and greenery, now stands at a dangerous crossroads. The Telangana government’s decision to auction 400 acres of pristine forest land in Gachibowli for ₹10,000 crore is not just another real estate deal — it is an ecological disaster in the making.
At a time when the world is grappling with climate change, erratic weather patterns, and environmental degradation, prioritizing concrete over conservation is a reckless gamble. The government frames this as a “development initiative”, but the true cost is irreversible environmental destruction, loss of biodiversity, displacement of wildlife, and worsening climate conditions.
A FOREST UNDER THREAT: THE KANCHA GACHIBOWLI ECOLOGICAL ZONE
Kancha Gachibowli is one of the last remaining urban forests in Hyderabad, an area rich in biodiversity and home to 237 species of birds, spotted deer, wild boars, Indian star tortoises, and snakes like cobras, vipers, and pythons.
This lush green habitat regulates temperatures, absorbs carbon emissions, and supports groundwater recharge— a natural ecosystem that cannot be recreated once destroyed.
Yet, despite these facts, the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Limited (TSIIC) has initiated an auction process that will strip Hyderabad of this ecological jewel, replacing it with concrete towers, shopping malls, and high-end commercial properties.
Is this the price of progress?
DEVELOPMENT VS. ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTION: A FALSE CHOICE
The government presents this project as a revenue-generating initiative, promising international-standard urban development with walkways, cycling trails, and eco-parks. But can a few landscaped parks compensate for the destruction of a thriving natural forest?
Let’s be clear: This is not just an empty piece of land waiting to be developed. This is a centuries-old ecosystem, an irreplaceable green lung of the city.
What will happen when these 400 acres are cleared?
- Wildlife Displacement: Animals will have no place to go, leading to increased human-wildlife conflict in urban areas.
- Rising Temperatures: Hyderabad, already experiencing extreme summer heat, will lose its natural cooling mechanism, worsening the urban heat island effect.
- Worsening Air Pollution: Trees act as natural air filters. Losing 400 acres of greenery means more carbon dioxide, dust, and pollutants in the air.
- Water Crisis: Forests play a crucial role in groundwater recharge. Destroying this area will worsen Hyderabad’s water scarcity issues.
We have seen similar disasters before. The unchecked destruction of green spaces in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru has led to increased flooding, worsening pollution, and deteriorating air quality. Are we prepared to make the same mistakes in Hyderabad?
WHEN LAWS FAIL, WHO SPEAKS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?
The most shocking part of this case? Legally, this is not even designated as “forest land.”
Since it does not fall under the Forest Conservation Act, government officials claim that it is open for auction. But should a technicality decide the fate of an entire ecosystem?
The Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans), one of the protected species found in Kancha Gachibowli, falls under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and is listed as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List.
Destroying its habitat is not just unethical — it is illegal.
THE PATTERN OF ENVIRONMENTAL NEGLECT
This is not the first time an ecologically significant area has been sacrificed in the name of “development.”
- Aarey Forest, Mumbai – Over 2,000 trees were cut to build a metro car shed, despite widespread protests. Citizens fought back, and the government was eventually forced to relocate the project.
- Bellandur Lake, Bengaluru – Once a thriving water body, pollution and encroachment have turned it into a toxic, foaming disaster.
- Aravali Hills, Gurgaon – Illegal mining and deforestation are choking one of the last remaining green belts near Delhi.
Hyderabad now faces the same battle. The destruction of Kancha Gachibowli’s green cover will not just affect today’s residents — it will affect generations to come.
A CALL TO ACTION: WHAT CAN BE DONE?
The time for silence is over. Citizens, environmental activists, legal experts, and policymakers must unite to halt this environmental crime before it’s too late.
1. Legal Intervention
Environmentalists must file petitions in court to halt the auction and demand that the land be recognized as a protected area. If Mumbai’s Aarey Forest could be saved through legal action, so can Hyderabad’s Kancha Gachibowli.
2. Mass Public Awareness & Protest
Social media campaigns like #SaveCityForest have already gained momentum. But this fight needs more voices — Hyderabad’s citizens must demand accountability from the government.
3. Policy Change & Reforestation
Instead of selling the land for commercial gain, the government should:
- Designate it as a protected forest area.
- Develop it as a biodiversity park instead of a real estate project.
- Implement strict urban planning policies to balance development with conservation.
THE FINAL QUESTION: WHAT KIND OF CITY DO WE WANT?
Do we want a Hyderabad that is choked by pollution, stripped of greenery, and trapped in heatwaves?
Do we want to be remembered as the generation that watched silently as the last of our forests disappeared?
The Telangana government sees ₹10,000 crore in revenue. But Hyderabad’s residents see rising temperatures, environmental destruction, and irreversible damage. Which future will we choose?
The battle for Hyderabad’s ecological survival is happening now. If we do not act today, tomorrow may be too late.
© 2025. P Mohan Chandran. All Rights Reserved.
12032025