Hyderabad Forest Tract May Transform into World’s Largest Eco Park; UoH Relocation Under Consideration
Hyderabad: In a significant policy shift, the Telangana government has shelved its earlier proposal to auction 400 acres of prime forest land near Kancha Gachibowli, opting instead to develop one of the world’s largest eco-parks in the area. The move comes in the wake of mounting public opposition and directions issued by the Supreme Court.
Sources said that the state government is now considering utilising nearly 2,000 acres of land, which includes portions currently occupied by the University of Hyderabad (UoH), for the development of the proposed eco-park. To facilitate this, the University may be relocated to a new site in the upcoming “Future City,” planned on the city’s outskirts.
According to preliminary reports, the university could be allotted 100 acres in the new location, alongside a financial package worth ₹1,000 crore to develop a modern campus. However, university officials stated that no formal communication has been received so far.
Ambitious Green Vision
The proposed eco-park, once realised, is expected to serve as an urban biodiversity hub and a major environmental tourism attraction. Government officials revealed that the park would be developed using a micro-ecosystem approach, featuring:
- Native flora and fauna preservation zones
- Observation towers at multiple heights
- Walking trails, cycling tracks, and eco-education centres
- A bird park, butterfly garden, turtle habitat, and open-air gyms
An expert committee will be constituted to study international models of successful urban eco parks. The governing body of the project is expected to include environmental scientists, student and academic representatives, conservationists, and civil society stakeholders.
“We aim to bring in specialists from across the globe to ensure this becomes a world-class ecological initiative,” said a senior official associated with the project.
Concerns Over Land Swap
Meanwhile, the potential relocation of UoH has sparked concern among students and faculty. While senior university officials reiterated that any such proposal would be placed before the executive council for due discussion, the students’ union has openly opposed the idea.
“We see no justification in handing over 1,600 acres and receiving just 100 in return. The campus is not just land—it’s heritage, research infrastructure, and home to thousands of students. We will resist any move to compromise its integrity,” said Umesh Ambedkar, president of the student union.
A final decision on the relocation and project execution is expected to be taken at the Chief Minister’s level in the coming weeks.
