Cognizant Technology Solutions India Private Limited (Cognizant) has withdrawn its proposal to develop two IT and ITES Special Economic Zones in Telangana and has sought de-notification of the land allocated at Nanakramguda and Adibatla. The Board of Approval for SEZs has de-notified the entire two point one six hectares (ha) allotted for the Nanakramguda SEZ following a notification by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The LoA for Nanakramguda was granted on 21 April 2016 and expired on 20 April 2019. The decision ends a long period of inactivity on the parcels that had been earmarked for technology campuses.

No extension was sought for the Nanakramguda approval and no development activity was undertaken. The company wrote to the state government seeking full de-notification on 15 October 2019 and the state recommended de-notification to the Union government on two September 2024. The Union notification for Nanakramguda has been issued by the ministry. The de-notification process follows established administrative procedures for SEZ land reversion.

For the Adibatla site Cognizant had received the Letter of Approval on seven January 2008 for 16.19 ha and extensions were granted up to 2015. The company executed a bond cum legal undertaking for Rs 120 million (Rs 120 mn) on 22 November 2011 but only a perimeter compound wall was constructed. No further construction or infrastructure work proceeded on the Adibatla site. The firm cited operational constraints and limited development on the site.

Cognizant explained that the need for close proximity to employees for round the clock operations meant that the distance from Hyderabad contributed to attrition and constrained business growth. Accepting this rationale the Board of Approval has recommended de-notification of the entire 16.19 ha at Adibatla and the formal notification is awaited. Once de-notified the land will be governed by state land use guidelines and applicable master plans. Officials expect the outcome to allow the state to align use of the land with local master plans and development priorities.