The freedom for this country came at midnight, and perhaps that night marked the sacrifice of millions of freedom fighters. Paradoxically, the ‘freedom to destroy’ the 400-acre land at Kancha Gauchibowli of the University of Hyderabad at midnight was a conspiracy. Why JCBs chose midnight for their nefarious action is perhaps suspicious. Of course, the contractors were successful in almost shaving away 50 acres of green cover. The painful cry of peafowls woke up the social media. Hundreds of students were on their toes without realizing that they were going to be treated as criminals and fall prey to the lati charge of police for what ‘crime’? They were protesting to stop the state-sponsored crime of felling the trees. The purpose of the deforestation was to build an infotech park. The move to destroy the forests drew the attention of activists everywhere. Many activists raised concerns and held rallies in solidarity with the students. When pressure mounted from all quarters, the Supreme Court ordered the scrapping of the proposed infotech project. It was a blow to the Telangana Government, which is now contemplating turning 2000 acres of land into one of the world’s largest eco-parks, which will include the University of Hyderabad lands and Kancha Gauchibowli land. This means that the University near Kancha Gauchibowli will be shifted to a new location. What a clever move! What development or economic growth is proposed by such a move?

A natural forest does not mean an evergreen forest of tall trees with tigers and leopards roaming freely. In general, urban green areas are mini forests with smaller animals such as monitor lizards, monkeys, snakes, hares, and peafowls. They are scrub jungles with a unique ecosystem. There are shelters for several microorganisms, flora, and fauna.  The ridge in Delhi is a classic example. Fortunately, the central ridge forest has survived the Airport metro tunneling to date. But Delhi’s metro tunneling has interrupted underground aquifers. If not today, the environmental impact will be felt very soon. Perhaps Delhiites might wake up from their long slumber to realize that it is too late.  Here, in Hyderabad, the proposed eco park will not take into account the rocky natural habitat at Kancha Gauchibowli. However, the valiant war by the students deserves applause. One request at the end! The misleading AI generated videos may tend to derail a beautiful movement. We need to be cautious!