Displaced tribals continue protest, stay in Kawal Tiger Reserve for sixth day

Displaced tribals from Maisampet and Rampur reoccupied a hamlet in the Kawal Tiger Reserve for the sixth day, protesting delays in rehabilitation. They cited lack of infrastructure and unmet compensation promises. Officials say relocation was done in phases

Mancherial: Displaced tribals from Maisampet and Rampur continued their reoccupation of a hamlet inside the Kawal Tiger Reserve (KTR) for the sixth consecutive day on Saturday, protesting the inordinate delay in receiving the promised rehabilitation package.

Around 140 tribals from the two villages returned to the resettlement and rehabilitation colony established on 12 acres near Kottamaddipadaga village in Kaddampeddur mandal on Monday. They constructed makeshift huts and have remained at the site, despite ongoing consultations and repeated assurances from officials to address their grievances.

---

The tribals raised concerns over the lack of basic infrastructure in the colony. They said that the agricultural lands allotted to them under the rehabilitation package remained undeveloped. The colony lacks a school for children and essential amenities such as bore-wells and electricity. They demanded the installation of two bore-wells, electric motors, and two high-mast lights.

Alleging negligence by officials, the villagers claimed that eligible beneficiaries were being denied the promised support. They urged the authorities to identify and include all individuals above 18 years of age and to deposit Rs.15 lakh in the accounts of those opting for financial compensation.

Officials said that 142 families from Rampur and Maisampet, located in the core area of the Kawal Tiger Reserve, had been relocated in phases to the new colony. Of these, 48 families opted for financial compensation, while the remaining 94 families chose land allotment under the rehabilitation scheme.