Chenchu families in Amrabad seek faster relocation from core area

Several Chenchu families in Amrabad Tiger Reserve have urged authorities to speed up their relocation from the core area. While some oppose shifting, others have agreed to move, with 96 families ready for rehabilitation across four hamlets, officials said

Hyderabad: In a notable development, several Chenchu families living in the core zone of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve (ATR) have urged the Forest Department to speed up their relocation. They held a rally on Monday from the ‘Y’ junction in Amrabad to the Forest Office in Achampet, pressing for early rehabilitation.

Their demand contrasts with recent opposition from other Chenchu groups. About ten days ago, a section of tribals had appealed to the government not to move them out of the reserve. Representatives from hamlets such as Sarlapallypenta, Rayiletipenta and Kommanapenta submitted a representation to Telangana State Planning Board Vice-Chairman G. Chinna Reddy during the Prajavani programme. They asked the authorities not to evict them.

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Chinna Reddy assured them that their concerns would be respected. He also spoke to the Nagarkurnool District Forest Officer and directed that no Chenchu family should be relocated against its will.

At the same time, several families from other hamlets have shown willingness to move. Residents of Sarlapallypenta, Kudichintalabailu, Kollampenta and Tatigundalapenta have agreed to relocate from the core area. Around 25 families from Sarlapallypenta alone have expressed interest in relocation and want the process to be completed quickly. In total, 96 families across four hamlets are ready to move, according to forest officials.