Kancha Gachibowli issue: AICC steps in for damage control

Now, AICC Telangana incharge Meenakshi Natarajan is slated to hold a meeting with the three-Minister Committee constituted by the State government on Saturday. The Committee consists of Ministers Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, D Sridhar Babu and Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy

HYDERABAD: With the Congress government coming under fire from all quarters including the Supreme Court over the Kancha Gachibowli land issue, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) is stepping in for damage control.

People from different sections questioned the Congress party’s double standards on caning University of Hyderabad students, booking cases against protestors and trying to auction the land regardless of its rich biodiversity. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi was also criticised for his silence on the entire controversy surrounding the destruction and deforestation of 100 acres.

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Now, AICC Telangana incharge Meenakshi Natarajan is slated to hold a meeting with the three-Minister Committee constituted by the State government on Saturday.

The Committee consists of Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu and Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy.

The AICC incharge is scheduled to meet the Ministers and discuss the issue. It may be recalled that Supreme Court had sought a report before April 16.

The State government has been claiming the ownership of the lands. However, the University of Hyderabad has been opposing the claims, stating that no survey was conducted to identify the contentious lands.

Initially, the State government had planned to auction the lands and generate revenue and establish an IT Park. Accordingly, bulldozers were deployed and trees were felled in about 100 acres. The same was mentioned by Telangana High Court Registrar in the interim report submitted to the Supreme Court.

Subsequently, the apex court issued directions to the State government to stop the activities on the lands until further orders.

Later in the day, Natarajan is also likely to hold a meeting with NSUI leaders at Gandhi Bhavan. It may be recalled that NSUI leaders had also opposed the deforestation activities in the contentious lands.