In a recent development, the Telangana State government has provided clarity on the ownership of 400 acres of land in Kancha Gachibowli. This clarification was made before the Empowered Committee, dispelling claims by students and political parties that the land was forest land.
Meeting with the Empowered Committee
Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests R.M. Dhobriyal met with the members of the empowered committee to present a detailed chronology of the lands dating back to 2000. Armed with records from the revenue and forest department, the officials emphasized that the land in question was never classified as forest land.
They highlighted the presence of various structures on the government-owned land, including IIIT-Hyderabad, Indian School of Business, Gachibowli stadium, TNGO’s colony, and a private property, all surrounded by lush greenery. The officials stressed the importance of development while adhering to established guidelines and regulations, noting that the existing structures had obtained necessary permissions and sanctions.
Land Allocation History
The officials delved into the history of the land allocation, revealing that in 1975, the University of Hyderabad (UoH) was granted possession of the entire land in Sy No 25 and other survey numbers in Kancha Gachibowli Village. Subsequently, an MoU was signed with IMG Academies Bharata Private Limited in 2003, transferring 400 acres in Gachibowli and 450 acres in Mamidipalli Village, Balapur mandal, Ranga Reddy district.
As per the MoU, the government reclaimed 534.28 acres from UoH, allocating 400 acres to the Sports Authority of Telangana and 134.28 acres to TG NGOs. An alternative land spanning 397 acres in Sy No 36 and Sy No 37 was provided to UoH in exchange for the relinquished land, solidifying the government’s ownership of the 400 acres in question.
The allocation to IMG Academies Bharata Pvt Ltd faced legal challenges, with an ordinance annulling the allotment in 2006. Following a series of legal battles, the land was eventually secured by the Telangana State government for an IT and mixed-use project, receiving approval from the Council of Ministers in 2024.
Through a meticulous recounting of the land’s history and allocation process, the Telangana government has shed light on the ownership status of the 400 acres in Kancha Gachibowli, underscoring the need for transparent and regulated development.
