Prohibitory orders issued against conducting jatara in reserve forest area in Kothagudem

Prohibitory orders were imposed in Regalla and Chatakonda reserve forest areas of Laxmidevipally mandal following plans to hold an unauthorised Lambadi jatara. Authorities cited law and order concerns and warned of strict action under forest and wildlife laws

Kothagudem: Prohibitory orders have been issued against public gatherings in Regalla and Chatakonda reserve forest area in Laxmidevipally mandal of the district in the wake of a jatara planned by Lambadi organisations.

Tahsildar G Shireesha, who issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNS, said police officials had reported that some groups were attempting to hold religious gatherings without permission in the railway line area (survey numbers 17 and 50) near Regalla village, which falls under the Chatakonda reserve forest.

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As there was a possibility of tension arising between the Banjara (Lambadi) and Koya communities, it was decided to implement prohibitory orders in Regalla village from January 24 until further orders, she said.

Meanwhile, District Forest Officer (DFO) Kishta Goud clarified that there was no permission for conducting the Sri Sathi Bhavani Maha Jatara at Regalla and strict action would be taken if attempts were made to organise the event.

Speaking to the media, he stated that posters had been released in several areas of Kothagudem and Mahabubabad districts by Banjara JAC informing about the jatara to be held from January 27 to February 2.

The area where the jatara was planned to be conducted was an eco-sensitive zone adjacent to the Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary. There were no records of any jataras or large-scale events being held in this area until now. No permission was granted for the event by forest, police or revenue departments, he said.

Strict action would be taken under Telangana Forest Act-1967 and Wildlife Protection Act-1972 against anyone who enters the reserve forest without authorisation, engages in illegal encroachments, or conducts events without permission.

The DFO stated that not only those who instigate the public to attend the jatara, but also those who attend it would face forest cases as well as police criminal cases. Cases were already registered against the Banjara JAC leaders.