A new study warns that cutting down the forest in Kancha Gachibowli, Hyderabad, could lead to a temperature rise of 1 to 4°C in the area. This has raised serious concerns among environmentalists, students, and political parties.
The government led by Revanth Reddy plans to clear 400 acres of land in Kancha Gachibowli. This move has met with strong opposition, especially from Hyderabad Central University (HCU) students and nature lovers who are worried about the loss of trees, animals, and plants in the area.
Ecologist Arun Vasireddy, in his report titled “Ecological Heritage Report KGF,” explains that the forest is home to 233 bird species. That is more than what can be found in KBR National Park and other parks around the city. He also said that the forest takes care of itself and doesn’t need money to be maintained. On the other hand, trying to recreate even a smaller version of it would cost about ₹1,000 crore.
The forest is also the only place where a rare spider species, Murricia hyderabadensis, is found. This spider was first discovered in 2010 and does not live anywhere else in the world.
The report highlights that the Kancha Gachibowli Forest (KGF) has the largest grasslands in Hyderabad. It is the last home for many species like the Indian Hoopoe, Oriental Skylark, and butterflies such as Grass Yellows and Darts. It is also the only place in the city where you can still find the Indian Roller, the state bird of Telangana.
Experts say that saving the KGF is important not just for the animals and plants, but also for the health of lakes and hills in Hyderabad. The forest has more than 72 types of trees and plays a key role in keeping the city’s environment cool and balanced.
