Hyderabad: A dispute between the University of Hyderabad community, various groups, and the state government has reached Parliament.
During Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, MP Dr. K Laxman criticized the Congress-led state government’s move to sell 400 acres of land belonging to Hyderabad Central University. He said this land is important for Telangana’s people, especially due to environmental concerns. The land was given to the university in 1974 to be used for education and research.
Dr. Laxman pointed out that in the past, parts of the university’s land were taken for other projects, such as an IT campus, Gachibowli Stadium, a bus depot, a power station, a school, and a shooting range. He said the 400 acres now at risk are vital for students and researchers and help support environmental sustainability. Student unions are currently protesting to save the land for future generations.
Dr. Laxman urged the government to stop any plans to sell the land. He warned that selling it would take away valuable resources from students and harm the environment. He called for the land to be protected, not just for current students, but for all educational institutions in the state.
Meanwhile, BJP MPs in the Lok Sabha have also spoken out about the issue. They mentioned a large protest that took place at Mushroom Rock on March 10, and said that over 22,000 people have signed a petition asking the government to cancel the land auction.
Dr. Laxman added that the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC) wants to use the land for development. However, the government has not said whether an Environmental Impact Assessment has been done or if other development options that protect the environment have been considered.
The MPs are asking the government to stop the auction process, set up a review committee to look into the economic and environmental impacts, and find better alternatives. They stressed the need to protect Hyderabad’s environment, history, and public interest before it’s too late.
