Nestled in the heart of Hyderabad’s bustling IT corridor, Kancha Gachibowli stands as a verdant oasis amid the city’s relentless urban sprawl. This 400-acre forested expanse, adjacent to the University of Hyderabad (UoH), is more than just a patch of greenery—it’s a biodiversity hotspot, a climate regulator, and a cultural touchstone for students, researchers, and local communities. Yet, it has become the epicenter of a heated conflict between development ambitions and environmental preservation, drawing attention from the Supreme Court, environmentalists, and citizens alike. This article delves into the ecological significance of Kancha Gachibowli, the controversy surrounding its proposed auction, and the broader implications for Hyderabad’s urban future.
In This Article:
A Biodiversity Jewel in Hyderabad’s Concrete Jungle
Kancha Gachibowli, located in the western part of Hyderabad, is one of the city’s last remaining urban forests. Far from a barren plot, it is a thriving ecosystem teeming with life. Environmental assessments have documented over 730 species of flowering plants, 72 tree species, 233 bird species, 10 mammals, 15 reptiles, and 13 amphibians. Among its unique inhabitants is the Murricia hyderabadensis, a tree trunk spider endemic to this forest and found nowhere else in the world. The Indian Roller, Telangana’s vibrant state bird, soars through its canopies, while spotted deer graze in its clearings, and the vulnerable Indian Star Tortoise finds refuge among its underbrush.
The forest is also home to ancient rock formations, including the iconic Mushroom Rock, estimated to be two billion years old, and three lakes—Peacock Lake, Buffalo Lake, and others—that serve as critical water catchments for Hyderabad’s drinking water reservoirs. With over 27 species listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Kancha Gachibowli is a sanctuary demanding the highest level of legal protection. Its dense greenery acts as a carbon sink, moderates local temperatures by up to 1.4°C, and mitigates the urban heat island effect in a city increasingly choked by pollution and high-rise buildings.
For the University of Hyderabad community, Kancha Gachibowli is more than an ecological asset—it’s a living classroom. Students and faculty use the forest for field research, biodiversity mapping, and birdwatching, while local residents rely on it for morning walks, nature photography, and community clean-up drives. For nearby villagers in Gopanpally and Vattinagulapally, the land is a grazing ground, a source of medicinal herbs, and a spiritual site for festivals celebrated under ancient trees.
The Controversy: Development vs. Ecology
The tranquility of Kancha Gachibowli was shattered in February 2025 when the Telangana government, led by the Congress party, announced plans to auction 400 acres of the land for IT parks and infrastructure projects. The state, grappling with a debt projected to exceed ₹5 lakh crore by FY 2025-26, saw the land as a golden opportunity to generate ₹10,000-50,000 crore in revenue and create up to 5 lakh jobs in Hyderabad’s booming financial district.
-By Manoj H
