Kancha Gachibowli: Police impose entry restrictions on 400-acre parcel land near varsity
Hyderabad (PTI): The Cyberabad Police has imposed restrictions on the entry of people into a 400-acre land parcel in Kancha Gachibowli, adjacent to the University of Hyderabad (UoH), citing the prevailing law and order situation and the need to maintain public tranquility.
The Telangana government’s plan to auction this ecologically sensitive land for the construction of urban infrastructure and an IT Park has triggered protests by the UoH Students’ Union.
The matter is currently being heard in both the Telangana High Court and the Supreme Court.
In view of the Supreme Court's orders, the directions of the Central Empowered Committee, and the prevailing law and order situation, DCP (Madhapur Zone) Vineeth G issued an order prohibiting people who do not ordinarily have work in the area from entering it for any purpose other than their bona fide duties.
The order aims to prevent danger to human life and safety, maintain public tranquility, and avert the possibility of riots, affray, or obstruction to any person lawfully discharging their duties.
The order was issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which restricts unauthorised gatherings.
According to a notification, the order will remain in force from 6 am on Friday until April 16, covering the 400-acre area that is currently the subject of litigation in both the High Court and the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, the UoHSU held a rally on campus late Friday evening, demanding the removal of police camps from the premises and the fulfillment of their other demands, including the revocation of FIRs against students, civil society groups, and other activists.
They also demanded that the UoH administration file a petition in the High Court asserting ownership of the land.
On Thursday, the Telangana High Court posted the case for hearing on April 7.
The Supreme Court, also on Thursday, asked the Telangana government to explain the "compelling urgency" behind clearing a large tree cover on the land parcel next to the university and stayed any further activity until further orders.
The court inquired about the status of the felled trees and directed the Central Empowered Committee to visit the site and submit a report before April 16, when the matter will be heard again.
Following the Apex Court’s directive, the Telangana government has decided to form a committee of ministers to hold discussions with the UoH executive committee, civil society groups, students, and other stakeholders to address concerns over the land parcel adjacent to the university.
Responding to the Supreme Court's order to stay any further activity until further notice, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu said in a joint statement on Thursday that the government would abide by the apex court's directives.
They said the government would submit the information sought by the Supreme Court within the stipulated timeframe.
The state government has full confidence in the Supreme Court, and justice will prevail, they added. The government has also directed police officials not to act harshly towards the students.
Earlier police said that when the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) began development work at the site on March 30, as per a government order, a group comprising UoH students and others gathered there and attempted to forcibly halt the work. They allegedly attacked officials and workers with sticks and stones.
Following the incident, 53 individuals were taken into preventive custody and later released on personal bonds.
Based on a complaint from the TGIIC, a case was registered at the Gachibowli Police Station for various offences, including unlawful assembly, rioting, and assault on public servants, under relevant sections of the BNS, police said.
Police also said that two individuals were arrested and clarified that they are no longer students of the university.
The Telangana government had earlier stated that the 400-acre land in Kancha Gachibowli belongs to the state.
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Jammu: BJP opposes anti-encroachment drive, seeks regularisation of illegal structures
Jammu (PTI): The BJP has opposed the ongoing anti-encroachment drive carried out by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), demanding a halt to the operation, regularising existing constructions and action against "erring" officials.
On May 4, the JDA demolished more than 15 structures built without permissions on the Ring Road, along the Jamm-Samba belt, to curb illegal constructions and enforce planning norms.
Tensions escalated when BJP MLA Rajeev Kumar Bhagat, along with locals, intervened and stood in front of bulldozers in the Bisnah area to stop the demolition of a three-storey structure. Several party leaders joined the protest.
Later, a delegation of BJP leaders, comprising Rajeev Kumar Bhagat, Garu Ram Bhagat, Surinder Bhagat and former MLA Chander Prakash Ganga, met JDA Vice Chairman Rupesh Kumar on May 5 and sought suspension of demolition drives and called for registration and regularisation of existing structures.
Addressing reporters, Rajeev Kumar Bhagat alleged that JDA’s enforcement wing failed in its duty and accused the lower-level staff of misleading people.
“We have repeatedly said JDA should inform people where construction is permitted. Instead, staff took money, allowed structures to come up, and then demolished them when the buildings reached the third floor (exceeding permitted height limits),” he said.
He questioned the timing of the drive, saying, “What kind of emergency was it that officials arrived at 4 am to carry out demolition?”
Bhagat also cited the case of a farmer whose land was partly acquired for the Ring Road, leaving him with limited land on which he had begun construction.
The MLA demanded strict action against JDA officials, including suspension of enforcement staff, alleging that illegal constructions had flourished due to administrative lapses.
He also sought a probe by the Anti-Corruption Bureau into alleged irregularities by them.
Garu Ram Bhagat said the meeting with JDA authorities was held in a “positive atmosphere” and claimed that assurances were given that already constructed structures would not be demolished immediately.
He said that people would be allowed to apply online for No Objection Certificates and resume construction after approvals.
BJP MLA Surinder Bhagat said they had intervened to prevent demolition and protect people’s interests while maintaining that they support lawful action.
“We will not support any illegal activity, but harassment of poor people in the name of law will not be accepted,” he said.
The legislators also flagged a lack of coordination between departments, particularly between JDA and Revenue authorities, claiming conflicting land-use classifications were creating confusion for residents.
They said a joint meeting with the district administration would be convened to streamline land records, clarify jurisdiction and ensure transparency in permissions.
JDA officials maintained that the demolition drive was carried out after due notice and was aimed at enforcing building regulations and ensuring planned urban development.
