BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao on Friday made a public appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged destruction of the Kancha Gachibowli forest and a ₹10,000 crore financial scam tied to it. KTR accused the Congress-led Telangana government of orchestrating an “environmental catastrophe” under the guise of development.
In a post shared on social media platform ‘X’, KTR called on PM Modi to demonstrate his environmental commitment by ordering a swift and impartial probe into the matter. “This isn’t just about biodiversity loss; it’s a ₹10,000 crore scam by the Congress government,” he said.
The controversy revolves around 400 acres of ecologically vital land near the University of Hyderabad, which, according to KTR, was cleared for an IT park despite strong opposition from students, environmentalists, and a Supreme Court order halting auction activities. The forest is home to several species including deer, peacocks, and other endangered wildlife, and plays a key role in Hyderabad’s groundwater recharge.
KTR alleged that the Telangana government mortgaged the forest land, lacking clear title and necessary environmental clearances, to secure a massive loan through intermediaries. He claimed that the Supreme Court’s Central Empowered Committee (CEC) confirmed irregularities and recommended investigations by central agencies like the CBI, RBI, SEBI, SFIO, and CVC, to which BRS has submitted evidence.
Referring to PM Modi’s recent remarks in Haryana criticizing Telangana’s deforestation, KTR questioned whether they were genuine or political lip service. He urged the Prime Minister to act decisively to disprove allegations of a covert understanding between BJP and Congress.
He also slammed CM Revanth Reddy for allegedly denying the existence of wildlife in Kancha Gachibowli, citing a Telangana High Court Registrar’s report that confirmed diverse fauna. Calling the mortgaging of a water body within the land “reckless,” KTR demanded the Chief Minister’s accountability and transparency.
