KTR thanked those defending the 400-acre forest, highlighting its rich biodiversity and importance in combating climate change. He criticized the Telangana government's development plans, calling them "green murder" and prioritising monetary gain
Published Apr 06, 2025 | 4:34 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 06, 2025 | 4:34 PM
KTR pens open letter to protect Kancha Gachibowli and HCU
Synopsis: In an open letter, KTR, Working President of Bharat Rashtra Samithi, urged Telangana residents to protect the Kancha Gachibowli forest and Hyderabad Central University (HCU) campus. He criticized the state government’s development plans, calling them “green murder,” and accused officials of using misinformation and threats to silence student protests. KTR reaffirmed his party’s commitment to preserving the environment and HCU.
In an impassioned open letter, KTR, Working President of Bharat Rashtra Samithi, has rallied students, environmental enthusiasts, and the people of Telangana to unite in the fight to protect Kancha Gachibowli forest and the Hyderabad Central University (HCU) campus.
KTR expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all those who have stood up in defense of the 400-acre forested land, home to a rich array of biodiversity. The forest, teeming with 734 species of flowering plants, 220 species of birds, and numerous other species, is not just a vital ecological habitat but a crucial asset in the battle against climate change, KTR emphasised.
Despite the collective efforts of students and environmentalists to preserve the area, KTR voiced his concern over the Telangana government’s decision to target this precious land for development. He criticized the Congress-led government for prioritizing monetary gain over the well-being of the environment, terming the move as “green murder” and “plunder.”
The Telangana government’s response to the growing resistance has involved misinformation and intimidation, KTR claimed. In particular, he highlighted the peaceful student-led protests at HCU, which have faced threats of campus relocation. The government’s proposal to turn the university into an “Eco Park” is seen by many as a mere cover for land encroachment and exploitation, he warned.
My Humble Appeal to friends who have shown tremendous grit and resolve to stand with the community #SaveKanchaGachibowli #SaveHyderabadBiodiversity pic.twitter.com/r5LVcV5N4I
— KTR (@KTRBRS) April 6, 2025
KTR also condemned the government’s use of coercive tactics, such as offering alternate land and promising financial compensation in exchange for the cessation of protests, which he argued reek of bribery. He urged citizens to see through these manipulative strategies and stand firm in support of preserving the environment.
“Unfortunately, instead of honoring this movement, the state government has chosen to launch a campaign of misinformation, propaganda, and intimidation. They have sought to deflect attention from their mistakes by blaming the students, casting doubt on their intentions, and even threatening to dismantle the university campus itself under the pretense of shifting it elsewhere. This is not just an attack on a university – it is an assault on democratic values, environmental rights, and our collective conscience,” he said
“Let us be clear – the students are not asking for luxuries. They are not driven by politics. They are simply asking for the forest to be protected, for 400 acres of greenery to remain untouched. And yet, the government has responded by proposing to turn the whole university into an “Eco Park.” We suspect this is another artificial cover-up designed to facilitate land encroachment in the name of sustainability. This narrative is misleading, manipulative, and deeply dangerous.”
“Even more disturbing are the reports of coercive tactics, including threats that the entire university will be relocated if resistance continues. There is talk of offering alternate land in a non-existent “Fourth City,” and promises of funds that reek of bribery, not benevolence. This is the language of a government that has lost its moral compass – a government that is behaving more like a real-estate syndicate than a custodian of public trust,” the letter said.
The letter concluded with a call for unity. KTR reassured the public that his party remains committed to protecting both the Kancha Gachibowli forest and the Hyderabad Central University. He urged the state government to reconsider its actions, urging respect for the Supreme Court’s directives and the will of the people.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
