Hyderabad, 5 April

The Cyberabad police have banned the entry of people into 400 acres of land at Kancha Gachibowli adjoining the University of Hyderabad (UoH), citing the prevailing law and order situation and the need to maintain public peace. The Telangana government's plan to auction this ecologically sensitive land for building 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 orders, directions of the Central Empowered Committee and the prevailing law and order situation, DCP (Madhapur Zone) Vineet G issued an order prohibiting people who normally have no business in the area from entering the area for any purpose other than their bona fide duties. The order aims to prevent threat to human life and safety, maintain public peace and prevent riots, quarrels or any act likely to obstruct any person lawfully discharging his duties. The order was issued under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS), which prohibits unauthorised assemblies. According to the notification, the order will be in force till 16 April. 

On 3 April, the Supreme Court ordered that no felling of trees will be done on 400 acres of forest land in Kancha Gachibowli in Telangana till its further orders. The land is located in the IT hub of Hyderabad and has become contentious with people expressing concerns over loss of green cover and space for wildlife there. UoH students have been protesting against the auction of the land and want the land to be transferred to the university.