Justice for Green Warriors: UoH Students Cleared in Tree Felling Protest Case

Hyderabad : In a conciliatory move, the Telangana State Government has agreed to withdraw the cases filed against students of the University of Hyderabad (UoH) in connection with their protest against the large-scale felling of trees on 400 acres of land at Kancha Gachibowli, located near the university campus. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has directed the police department to initiate the process of withdrawing the cases registered during the recent demonstrations.

The protests erupted after students and environmental activists raised strong objections to the clearing of trees on land that they claimed was ecologically sensitive and home to rich biodiversity. The government’s decision to withdraw the cases comes in the wake of continued pressure from civil society groups, university faculty, and student organizations demanding justice for those who had peacefully protested to protect the green cover around the university.

A three-member ministerial committee, appointed by the state government to mediate and find a resolution to the escalating land dispute, recently convened a crucial meeting with representatives from the UoH Teachers’ Association and various civil society organizations. During the discussions, the participants made a series of demands, highlighting what they described as an oppressive response to a peaceful environmental movement. Key concerns included the ongoing police presence on campus, the imposition of prohibitory orders, the continued detention of two students, and the broader criminalization of protest.

The delegation also sought permission to allow university faculty and researchers to conduct an independent assessment of the damage caused by the tree felling and to gather biodiversity data from the affected area. This request was framed as an urgent need ahead of the impending visit by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), constituted by the Supreme Court to inspect and evaluate the land use and ecological impact.

While the government has responded positively to the demand for withdrawal of legal cases against the students, the ministerial committee made it clear that the police presence would not be withdrawn entirely. Officials cited Supreme Court orders mandating the protection of the 400-acre land parcel, which is currently under legal scrutiny.