Hyderabad, Mar 31 (UNI) In response to protests at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) over the alleged sale of 400 acres of land, the Telangana government issued an official clarification on Monday, asserting that the land in question belongs to the state and not the university.
The government stated that the 400 acres of land in Kanche Gachibowli, Serilingampally mandal, Rangareddy district, is state-owned, and no part of it belongs to the University of Hyderabad.
The land was originally allotted to a private company in 2004 but was later reclaimed by the government after a prolonged legal battle. The Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Telangana government on May 3, 2024, confirming its ownership. Officials also emphasised that the ongoing development projects on this land will not harm the rock formations or lakes, as some claims suggest. The state government reiterated its commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible development.
The land dispute dates back to 2004, when the then Andhra Pradesh government allotted the 400-acre parcel to IMG Academies Bharat Private Limited for developing sports facilities. However, in 2006, the state government revoked the allotment and reassigned the land to the AP Youth Advancement, Tourism, and Cultural Department.
The private company subsequently filed a legal case, which was ultimately resolved in favour of the Telangana government by the High Court in March 2024. When the company challenged this ruling in the Supreme Court, the case was dismissed on May 3, 2024, further solidifying the state's ownership. Following this legal victory, the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) requested the transfer of the land for IT and other development projects, and the land was officially granted to TGIIC on July 1, 2024.
The Telangana government refuted allegations of encroachment, stating that a survey conducted in coordination with the University of Hyderabad confirmed that no part of the land belongs to the university.
Officials also accused certain political groups and real estate entities of misleading students for their own interests. The government reiterated its stance that all development in the area will be carried out responsibly, ensuring the protection of local ecosystems, an official statement said.
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