Forest officials draw flak for demolishing tribal huts in Kawal

The officials said 22 huts, which were allegedly put up illegally by tribals, were demolished as they were built in the core of the Kawal Tiger Reserve

Mancherial: Forest officials drew flak for demolishing huts in which tribals were living at Gaddamgudem village in Jannaram mandal on Tuesday.

The officials said 22 huts, which were allegedly put up illegally by tribals, were demolished as they were built in the core of the Kawal Tiger Reserve.

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A local person lodged a complaint against the dwellers with Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) RM Dobriyal, prompting the officials to take action against the occupants.

It was learnt that while a person had been residing in the spot since 2013, the others constructed the huts in an effort to occupy the forest cover measuring around 15 acres a few years back.

As per instructions of the PCCF, the officials conducted a field inquiry and demolished the huts. However, the tribals alleged that the officials forcibly demolished the huts, rendering them homeless.

Upon learning about the incident, Khanapur MLA Vedma Bojju spoke to the officials and expressed anger against them for removing the huts. He asked them not to vacate the tribals citing conservation of wild animals.