Chenchu tribals oppose relocation from Amrabad Tiger Reserve

Chenchu tribals in Amrabad Tiger Reserve opposed relocation from forest areas, citing livelihood concerns. They urged authorities not to evict them. G Chinna Reddy assured no forced eviction and promised discussions with officials.

Hyderabad: Chenchu tribals living in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve have opposed the forest department’s attempts to relocate them from the core area. They said they would continue to live in the forests despite the challenges. The tribals submitted a representation to G Chinna Reddy, vice-chairman of the Telangana State Planning Board, during the CM Prajavani programme here on Friday. 

They said their community has lived in the forest for generations and relocating now would disrupt their way of life. They expressed concern that survival would be difficult in unfamiliar surroundings. “We are ready to live in the forest under any conditions, but we will not move to new places,” they stated.

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Representatives from different hamlets, including Sarlapallypenta, Rayiletipenta and Kommanapenta, urged the authorities not to evict them. Among those who spoke were Chigurla Mallikarjun, Mandli Chittemma, Chigurla Nagamma and Kudumula Tirupataiah. They also demanded that forest laws be applied fairly, both to the forest department and to the Chenchu hamlets.

Responding to their concerns, Chinna Reddy assured them that the government would respect their wishes. He spoke to the Nagarkurnool District Forest Officer and directed that no Chenchu families should be forcibly evicted. He also scheduled a meeting between forest officials and tribal representatives to address the issue. Members of Rythu Swarajya Vedika and Prajavani coordinators were present.