Popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee has urged Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to intervene and halt what he describes as "destruction" in Telangana, where the state government plans to clear 400 acres of forest land.
In a post on X, Rathee criticised the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government's bulldozer action to "destroy 400 acres of precious lung space in western Hyderabad," calling it "unacceptable."
Responding to a post, Rathee said, "Rahul Gandhi should take action and get this destruction stopped in Telangana.
Rathee's post comes amid ongoing protests against the Telangana government's plan to redevelop 400 acres of land near Hyderabad University.
The Telangana government has proposed auctioning 400 acres of land in Kancha Gachibowli village in Ranga Reddy district, with plans to develop the area and establish an IT park. The government reportedly expects to generate between ₹10,000-15,000 crore from this development.
The land in question, which borders the University of Hyderabad, is home to a rich ecosystem, including over 700 plant species, 220 bird species, deer, pythons, and centuries-old trees.
Environmentalists and students have launched protests against the government's move. Tensions escalated after bulldozers were brought to the site for clearance operations.
Opposition leader and former minister KTR pointed out that "state government knew Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday were court holidays, and that's why they chose this time to cut down 400 acres of forest, destroying green space and wildlife."
Environmental activists have raised serious concerns about the potential impact of the development. They warn that wildlife will be displaced without an alternative habitat, leading to irreversible biodiversity loss. The disruption of the ecosystem could have far-reaching consequences, affecting climate, air quality, and water security. Additionally, groundwater recharge capabilities may be compromised, further exacerbating environmental degradation. In the long run, these changes could result in catastrophic climate consequences, making sustainable development a pressing concern.
