MLA Dr Harish’s health deteriorates on 5th day of his hunger strike

Sirpur MLA Dr. P. Harish Babu’s health deteriorated on the fifth day of his hunger strike against GO 49, which seeks to create a tiger conservation reserve in Kumram Bheem–Asifabad district. BJP cadres demanded urgent medical care and complete withdrawal of the order.

Kumram Bheem Asifabad: The condition of Sirpur (T) MLA Dr P Harish Babu deteriorated on the fifth day of his indefinite hunger strike on Friday. Rao launched the strike at his residence in Kagaznagar demanding complete cancellation of government order 49 meant for creation of tiger conservation reserve in the district on August 17.

On learning about his health condition, cadres of BJP expressed concern and arrived in Kagaznagar town in large numbers. They demanded the government to take steps to address his demand and ensure better medical facility for the MLA. They stated that Harish would not end his strike until the government completely repels the order.

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Amid widespread uproar, particularly from tribal communities, the State government on July 21 announced that it was keeping the controversial GOMs 49 in abeyance until further notice.

On June 30, the Forest Department had issued GOMs 49 to convert 1.49 lakh hectares across multiple forest ranges in Kumram Bheem-Asifabad district — including Asifabad, Kerameri, Rebbena, Tiryani, Kagaznagar, Sirpur, Karjelli, Bejjur, and Penchikalpet — into the “Kumram Bheem Tiger Conservation Reserve” as part of the proposed expansion of the Kawal Tiger Corridor.

The notification sparked protests, with tribal leaders and local representatives raising concerns about potential displacement and curbs on traditional forest rights, especially as over 330 villages were reportedly impacted.