Newly released satellite imagery has uncovered the alarming scale of deforestation taking place on a 400-acre stretch of land bordering the University of Hyderabad campus. The images, captured over a span of months, clearly show once-dense green cover replaced by barren land and construction activity—highlighting the growing threat of urban encroachment on ecological zones.

Environmentalists and student groups have raised concerns over what they call a "green massacre" happening silently in the city’s backyard. The cleared land, which previously supported a rich biodiversity of native flora and fauna, is now marked for infrastructure development—allegedly without comprehensive environmental clearance.

"This isn’t just about trees—it’s about the collapse of an entire ecosystem," said Dr. Ramesh Kumar, a local ecologist. "We’re losing shade, soil stability, carbon absorption, and most importantly, wildlife habitats."

Key Highlights:

  • Over 60,000 trees have been affected, according to local estimates

  • Species impacted include rare birds, insects, and small mammals

  • Construction debris and machinery now dominate parts of the landscape

  • No formal public hearing or ecological impact study has been made public

The area lies close to the Biodiversity Park and Deccan Plateau eco-zone, making it particularly sensitive to changes. Students and faculty from the University of Hyderabad have staged protests, demanding transparency and immediate suspension of activities.

Satellite data from independent space analytics groups has validated claims that deforestation intensified over the last six months, coinciding with rapid construction permissions granted for residential and commercial projects.

Environmentalists are urging the Telangana government and central regulatory authorities to investigate and halt the land clearance until a full environmental assessment is conducted.

With climate change and heatwaves on the rise, green spaces around urban centers are more important than ever. Experts warn that continuing on this path could lead to irreversible environmental damage, not just for Hyderabad, but for the regional ecosystem as a whole.