Kancha Gachibowli Forest, Significance, Recent Issues

Kancha Gachibowli Forest near the University of Hyderabad is an ecologically important urban forest known for its rich biodiversity and climate-regulating role, which recently became controversial after the Government of Telangana proposed development on part of the land, leading to protests and an interim halt on tree felling by the Supreme Court of India.

About Kancha Gachibowli Forest

• Kancha Gachibowli Forest is a natural forest area located near the University of Hyderabad in Hyderabad. 
• The forest is part of the Deccan scrub ecosystem, which includes dry deciduous vegetation, scrub forests, rocky outcrops, grasslands, and small water bodies.
• It supports rich biodiversity, with more than 700 species of flowering plants, several species of mammals, reptiles, insects, and more than 200 species of birds recorded in the region.
• The forest also includes natural habitats around water bodies such as Peacock Lake, which attracts migratory birds and supports aquatic life.
• Several animals such as star tortoises, monitor lizards, porcupines, snakes, and many bird species have been observed in the area, showing its ecological diversity.

Kancha Gachibowli Forest Significance 

• Kancha Gachibowli Forest is one of the few remaining natural green spaces in the rapidly growing IT corridor of the city.
• It acts as a “green lung” for Hyderabad by improving air quality and absorbing carbon dioxide.
• The forest helps reduce the urban heat island effect, thereby regulating temperature in the surrounding urban areas.
• The vegetation and rocky landscape support groundwater recharge and help maintain the water balance of nearby lakes and catchments.
• Urban forests like Kancha Gachibowli are important for biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and ecological balance in cities.

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Kancha Gachibowli Forest Recent Issue

Kancha Gachibowli Forest recently became controversial after the Government of Telangana announced plans to auction around 400 acres of land in the area for development projects. The plan involved large-scale cutting of trees, this led to protests by students and faculty of the University of Hyderabad and environmental groups. Taking note of the issue, the Supreme Court of India issued an interim order in April 2025 stopping further tree felling in the area.