~ Samarth Krishna Kanakasubramaniam
IIT Madras. 388-acre campus carved from Guindy forest. Lush greenery. World-class facilities. But this green oasis—created from public forest land—remains fenced and restricted, creating environmental inequality as surrounding neighborhoods suffer concrete sprawl while students enjoy nature.
👉 IIT Madras's green privilege symbolizes urban inequality—public forest converted to exclusive campus while community suffers environmental deprivation.
🌳 Forest Land Converted to Exclusive Use
IIT Madras occupies 388 acres carved from Guindy's tropical dry evergreen forest.
Once part of accessible public forest
Converted to educational institution
Fenced and restricted to students/staff
Community excluded from nature they once accessed
Green privilege for elite institution
The consequence: Prime forest land serves few while millions need green space.
🚧 Accessibility Barriers
Campus restrictions create exclusion.
Non-students/staff have limited entry
Security checkpoints intimidating
Community programs minimal
Public access heavily restricted
Nature becomes institutional privilege
The injustice: Public forest becomes private benefit.
🏙️ Contrast with Surrounding Areas
IIT Madras green luxury contrasts starkly with neighboring conditions.
Campus: Lush trees, clean air, biodiversity
Surrounding neighborhoods: Concrete, pollution, heat islands
Students breathe clean air; residents breathe exhaust fumes
Institutional green vs community gray
🌆 Missed Community Integration Opportunity
Campus could serve broader community but doesn't.
Could offer public nature walks (doesn't)
Could provide environmental education (minimal)
Could open portions to community (restricted)
Could be model of urban-nature integration (isn't)
✅ What IIT Madras Should Do
Controlled Public Access: Weekend nature walks, guided tours, environmental education programs, school partnerships, community engagement.
Environmental Education: Public lectures, conservation programs, research shared with community, citizen science initiatives.
Community Integration: Public parks on non-sensitive areas, shared recreational facilities, outreach programs, environmental awareness campaigns.
Social Responsibility: Acknowledge public forest origin, serve broader community, reduce exclusivity, model inclusive development.
🚀 Privilege Requires Responsibility
IIT Madras occupies public forest land. That privilege comes with responsibility to serve the community—not just students.
Green space shouldn't be institutional entitlement. It should benefit all.
