Hyderabad: BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi) leaders have raised concerns about serious damage being done to the environment in Kancha Gachibowli, a part of the Hyderabad Central University campus. They claim that the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 is being violated, and they have asked the Telangana Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to take action against those responsible.
Led by RS Praveen Kumar, the BRS leaders submitted a letter to the forest authorities. They alleged that around 400 acres of protected land in Kancha Gachibowli is being encroached upon and damaged by the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC). This area is home to various animals, including 233 bird species, 20 mammal species, and 34 reptile species.
The leaders said that despite strong protests by Hyderabad Central University students, civil society members, and opposition parties, the encroachment continues openly with police support. According to them, this activity is destroying the natural habitat, disturbing wildlife movement, and putting many species at risk. They also criticized the government for trying to turn this natural space into a real estate project through a controversial government order, instead of protecting and conserving the forest.
The BRS party warned that the wildlife in the area, including some endangered species, is in immediate danger. They demanded that all construction and encroachment activities in the 400-acre region be stopped immediately. They also called for a full investigation into those responsible and the use of laws like the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 to punish the offenders. They want all vehicles and tools used in the encroachment to be seized.
Finally, the BRS leaders urged the government to take quick steps to restore the damaged area and strengthen protection to prevent further harm to the environment.
