University of Hyderabad refutes Telangana Government's survey claim on Kancha Gachibowli land

Hyderabad: The University of Hyderabad has issued a clarification on March 31, 2025, in response to recent misinformation about a survey conducted by revenue authorities on the university's campus. The university denied claims that a survey had been conducted in July 2024 to demarcate the 400 acres of land resumed by the State Government in 2006 from IMG Academies Bharata Pvt. Ltd.

In its statement, the university clarified, "The only action taken thus far has been a preliminary inspection of the land’s topography." The university also denied a statement by the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) in the media suggesting that the university had agreed to the demarcation of the land. The university stressed that no such demarcation has taken place, and it has not been informed of any such plans.

As part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations, the University of Hyderabad, an Institution of Eminence, has been requesting the State Government to alienate the land. The university plans to forward representations from stakeholders to the state government, urging it to reconsider its stance and take measures to preserve the area's environment and biodiversity.

The university further highlighted that any transfer of its allocated land requires formal approval from the University’s Executive Council, as stipulated in Clause (ix) of Statute 13. This council includes six nominees appointed by the President of India, acting in their capacity as Visitor to the University.

The university has urged all stakeholders and members of the media to exercise caution and avoid spreading unverified information, which it claims has become a recurring issue in recent media reports.

Earlier, on March 31, 2025, the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) also issued a clarification regarding the 400-acre land in Kancha Gachibowli village, Shamirpet Mandal, Ranga Reddy district. TGIIC clarified that the land belongs to the government, addressing reports that suggested a connection to the University of Hyderabad.

The Telangana government has confirmed the legal ownership of the 400 acres, which were initially allocated to IMG Academies Bharata Pvt. Ltd. in 2004 for sports facility development. However, the company failed to develop the land, leading to the cancellation of the allocation in 2006. The land was later reallocated to the Andhra Pradesh Youth Advancement, Tourism, and Cultural Department. Following a lengthy legal dispute, the Telangana government reclaimed the land. The Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by IMG Academies on May 3, 2024, affirming the government’s ownership.

TGIIC confirmed that the 400 acres are designated for development under new government guidelines issued in 2022. On June 19, 2024, TGIIC submitted proposals to develop the land for IT and infrastructure projects. The Revenue Department transferred the land rights to TGIIC in June 2024, with a formal handover of the land occurring in July 2024.

TGIIC has assured the public that the development will not harm the area’s environmental features. The 400-acre plot does not contain a Buffalo Lake or Peacock Lake, contrary to some media reports. In coordination with the University of Hyderabad, TGIIC conducted a survey in July 2024 to confirm the land’s boundaries, which confirmed that the 400 acres belong to the government and do not encroach on university property.

The development plan includes preserving notable rock formations, such as mushroom rocks, as part of green spaces within the project. TGIIC also plans to prepare an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to ensure sustainable development. On February 28, 2025, TGIIC issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for further development of the land, aligning with the government’s goal to establish world-class IT infrastructure and improve connectivity.