Telangana clears Rs 500 crore for new Earth Sciences university

Telangana has moved to strengthen its higher education and research ecosystem with cabinet approval for a dedicated Earth Sciences university, backed by an initial allocation of Rs 500 crore. The proposed institution, to be named after former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, is positioned as a specialised centre focusing on geology, climate studies, hydrology, meteorology and allied disciplines.

The state government argues that the university will address a long standing gap in advanced research and skilled manpower in earth and environmental sciences, areas that have direct implications for water security, disaster management, mining, urban planning and climate resilience. Officials said the funding will be used for campus development, faculty recruitment, research infrastructure and the creation of interdisciplinary departments.

Beyond its academic mandate, the university is expected to function as a policy support institution, providing scientific inputs to the state and central governments on climate adaptation and sustainable development. The move also reflects a broader trend among states to invest in niche, research driven universities rather than expand conventional general universities.

If implemented as envisioned, the institution could place Telangana on the national map for earth sciences research at a time when climate variability and resource management are emerging as critical governance challenges.