TG Govt Bars Survey on Kancha Gachibowli Land

Hyderabad: The state government on Monday stated that it will not permit any survey or assessment, including those by faculty and students of the University of Hyderabad (UoH), on the disputed 400-acre tract in Survey No. 25 at Kancha Gachibowli ahead of the Central Empowered Committee’s visit to the site, until further orders from the Supreme Court.

This decision was communicated during a meeting between a Group of Ministers (GoM) and representatives of the University of Hyderabad Teachers Association (UHTA) and various civil society groups held in the Secretariat on Monday.

The GoM, comprising Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, and IT minister D. Sridhar Babu, was formed to facilitate dialogue with stakeholders to resolve Kancha Gachibowli land issue. AICC Telangana in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan and Congress Working Committee (CWC) special invitee Challa Vamshi Chand Reddy were also present in the meeting.

The UHTA and civil society groups pressed for permission to conduct a biodiversity and damage assessment of the land ahead of the Central Empowered Committee’s visit.

“In view of the order from the Supreme Court to maintain status quo in the area, the government will not allow any activity, including surveys by university members, until the court issues further directions,” the GoM said.

While the government agreed to consider withdrawing the police from the broader UoH campus, it maintained that security personnel would remain stationed at the 400-acre disputed site. “Police presence is essential to protect the said land as per the apex court's directions,” the GoM clarified.

Addressing other concerns, the committee assured a “sympathetic view” towards the withdrawal of police cases filed against protesting students. It also promised to consult the police and law departments to explore possible legal relief.

Responding to students' request for an on-campus visit, the GoM expressed willingness but cited the ongoing litigation and potential for controversy as reasons to delay the visit. Instead, students have been invited to a dialogue with GoM to voice their concerns.

The UHTA and civil society groups demanded the immediate withdrawal of police and prohibitory orders from the UoH campus, the release of two students in custody, and the withdrawal of all cases against students involved in recent protests.

Notably, the UoH Joint Action Committee (JAC) of students abstained from the meeting, citing the government's failure to meet immediate demands. Both UHTA and civil society groups stated they would not engage in further discussions with the GoM unless these concerns are addressed.