Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao will offer alternative land to defence authorities in lieu of the Bison Polo ground in Secunderabad to build the Telangana Secretariat when he will call on Union defence minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday.

Besides seeking sanction of defence land for the Secretariat, the CM will also seek lifting of curbs on civilians passing through defence roads in the Secunderabad Cantonment and other places and discuss shifting of defence establishments from the city to its outskirts.

He will also take up pending AP Reorganisation Act issues with Union ministers concerned including bifurcation of High Court, distribution of other assets, central help for irrigation projects, Mission Kakatiya, Water Grid, power projects, road network etc.

“There are several issues that will be taken up with the defence minister including Bison Polo ground for the Secretariat and offer of alternative land, establishment of Sainik School and lifting of curbs on civilians using defence roads,” a top CMO official said.

Asked about shifting of defence establishments from Secunderabad and Hyderabad to neighbouring Ranga Reddy or other districts, he said it was under consideration. “Government will offer land in lieu of defence land. But there is a possibility that defence authorities will seek substantial amounts for reconstruction of buildings and other infrastructure. We have to look into the financial aspect too,” the official added.

Since the Chest Hospital land, which had been initially finalised for the new Telangana Secretariat, got embroiled in a controversy due to objections from the Opposition and others, the CM had been looking for a suitable site elsewhere.

The CM zeroed in on the 60-acre Bison Polo ground, which is used for military training, NCC camps etc. near Tivoli theatre in Secunderabad. Sources said the CM has told party leaders and officials that the defence land would be ideal for the Secretariat since it’s accessible to people coming from Adilabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Khammam and other districts. Mr Rao scanned the area on Google maps and found it suitable.