Telangana (Commonwealth Union)_ Actor and environmentalist Dia Mirza has expressed strong support for the ongoing student protests against the proposed redevelopment of 400 acres of land near Hyderabad Central University (HCU). The land, located in Gachibowli, is home to the Kancha forest, which the Telangana government plans to clear to make way for IT parks. Accordingly, Mirza, Bollywood actress and a Hyderabad native, has called for saving the forest, emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity for a sustainable future. The proposed development has sparked widespread protests, as it involves auctioning 400 acres of land for IT park construction.
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In a tweet on Wednesday, Mirza, who serves as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Goodwill Ambassador, backed the students who have been vocal in their opposition to the project. “Students are raising their voices for a future where nature thrives. Forests, not IT parks, offer young people a chance at a sustainable tomorrow. ‘Development’ at the cost of biodiversity is DESTRUCTION. Save Kancha Forest in Gachibowli, Hyderabad,” Mirza posted on X.
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Additionally, environmentalists and student groups, particularly from HCU, are raising concerns about the loss of vital green space, which they argue is home to various species of animals, birds, trees, and even two ponds. Bulldozers and earthmovers were deployed to clear the area, leading to clashes between authorities and protestors, resulting in the arrest of several students. The protests have drawn attention not only from environmentalists and students but also from opposition political parties, who argue that the development could cause irreversible damage to the region’s biodiversity.
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Supporting Mirza’s stance, actress Renu Desai also joined the chorus of voices calling for the preservation of the Kancha forest. In a heartfelt video message, Desai urged Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao to reconsider the development plans. “Yes, development is necessary, but please see if there is a possibility to spare these 400 acres. We need oxygen, we need trees, we need ecosystems. I am begging you as a citizen of your state,” Desai said. In addition, prominent YouTuber Dhruv Rathee voiced his disapproval of the project, calling it unacceptable and urging Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to intervene.
While the Telangana government has defended its plan, stating that the land is not part of the HCU campus and will be used to create jobs for the youth, it has assured that efforts will be made to protect the biodiversity within the university grounds. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka reassured the public that the government remains committed to preserving the ecosystem around HCU while also aiming to provide employment opportunities for the state’s youth.
