University of Hyderabad Students Stage Indefinite Protest Against Land Acquisition, Boycott Classes

Social Issues Social Inequalities and exclusion

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-04-09 08:59:22 |

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Students at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) recently initiated an indefinite protest and class boycott in response to the Telangana government's plans to develop a 400-acre land parcel adjacent to the university in Kancha Gachibowli. The students expressed concerns over environmental conservation, highlighting that the area is home to numerous plant and animal species.

The protest began on April 1, 2025, with students demanding the removal of police personnel and earth-moving machinery from the site. The situation escalated when police intervened to halt a protest rally by students and faculty, resulting in clashes and injuries among the demonstrators. ​

On April 3, 2025, the Supreme Court intervened, asking the Telangana government to explain the urgency behind the land development and stayed any further activity on the site until further orders. Following this decision, the University of Hyderabad Students' Union called off the protest and class boycott, and students resumed attending classes on April 4, 2025.

Students of the University of Hyderabad (UoH) have launched an indefinite protest and mass boycott of classes in strong opposition to the Telangana government's decision to develop a 400-acre plot of land adjacent to the university campus in Kancha Gachibowli. The protest, which began on April 1, has drawn wide attention from student bodies, faculty, and environmental activists across the country.

The contentious land parcel, located in a biodiverse zone, is reportedly home to various species of flora and fauna. Students and faculty have raised alarm over the environmental degradation that the proposed construction could cause. They have demanded that the government immediately halt all developmental activity and withdraw police forces and heavy machinery stationed near the site.

Tensions escalated when police intervened during a peaceful protest march, leading to a physical clash. Several students and faculty members sustained injuries in the scuffle, prompting human rights organizations and political leaders to criticize the government’s handling of the situation.

Adding a significant twist to the ongoing standoff, the Supreme Court of India stepped in on April 3, issuing a stay order on any further development activities in the disputed area. The court also directed the Telangana government to justify the urgency behind the project.

Following the Supreme Court’s directive, the University of Hyderabad Students’ Union decided to call off the protest and resume classes from April 4. However, they have stated that they will continue to monitor the situation and may restart the protest if development resumes without proper consultation and environmental clearance.

Key Demands Raised by Students:

• Immediate withdrawal of police and construction machinery.

• Official declaration of the 400-acre land as a protected green zone.

• Transparent consultation process involving university representatives.

• No development without environmental impact assessments.

The protest has reignited discussions about the encroachment of academic and green spaces across India, and many see this movement as a reminder of student activism's power in protecting public and ecological interests.

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