University of Hyderabad Students Protest Telangana Govt’s Land Development Plans

Students Launch Indefinite Strike Against Forest Clearance on 400-Acre Land Parcel​

Hyderabad, April 1 — Students of the University of Hyderabad (UoH) on Tuesday launched a large-scale protest against the Telangana government's plans to develop a 400-acre land parcel adjacent to the university's territory. The demonstration, marked by slogans and campus-wide participation, has escalated into an indefinite strike and class boycott led by the University of Hyderabad Students’ Union (UoHSU).

Protests at Campus Gate, Demand for Withdrawal of Police and Machinery​

Gathering at the university's main gate, students voiced strong opposition to the state government's clearing of forested land, which reportedly involved over 50 earthmoving machines and heavy police presence. UoHSU Vice President Akash demanded immediate removal of both the police forces and the machinery from the site.

“This is not just about land—it’s about our environment, our campus, and our future,” Akash said, urging students and faculty to join the protest and boycott academic activities until their demands are met.

UoHSU Accuses Administration of Betrayal​

In a joint statement, UoHSU and its affiliated student associations accused the university administration of “betraying” students by allegedly facilitating land clearing activities at Kancha Gachibowli, adjacent to the university. The statement condemned what it called a “brutal police crackdown” on peaceful student demonstrators.

The protestors are demanding:

• A written assurance confirming the land’s registration under UoH
• Immediate removal of police and construction machinery
• Public release of the Executive Committee meeting minutes on the issue
• Full transparency in land-related documentation

ABVP Raises Biodiversity Concerns​

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) also held a separate protest. ABVP UoH president Anil highlighted that the contested land supports rich biodiversity, including peacocks, deer, endangered species, and over 230 bird varieties.

"We are committed to protecting this ecosystem and will oppose the Congress government’s actions," Anil stated.

Students Highlight Impact on Wildlife​

Abhishek Kumar, a master’s student in Communications, emphasized that the development was not just a land issue, but an ecological one. “More than 50 machines are disturbing the habitat, leaving animals in distress. The government must abandon this plan for the sake of biodiversity,” he said.

Political Reactions and Centre’s Involvement​

Meanwhile, BJP leaders have stepped in. Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar, along with other BJP MPs from Telangana, met Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Delhi to seek intervention. They urged the Centre to take necessary steps to preserve the biodiversity and protect the university's land.

A press release from Sanjay Kumar’s office confirmed the request for federal involvement.

BJP Leaders Detained​

BJP MLAs, including Payala Shankar and A Maheshwar Reddy, were reportedly detained by the police while attempting to visit the campus. Reddy claimed he was not permitted to leave his residence and had received no official notice.

Telangana Govt Claims Ownership, UoH Disagrees​

The Telangana government maintains that the 400-acre parcel belongs to it and has outlined plans for developing IT infrastructure in the area. However, the UoH Registrar has contradicted these claims, stating that the boundary of the disputed land has not been finalized, adding another layer to the ongoing standoff.

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