Residents of Pogilla village near Nagarjunsagar oppose relocation plan amid tiger threat

Villagers of Pogilla near Nagarjunasagar have rejected the Forest Department’s relocation plan despite tiger threats, citing ancestral ties. CPI(M) has also opposed GO 49 on the Kumram Bheem corridor, accusing the Congress of betraying tribal rights and aiding corporates

Hyderabad: Residents of Pogilla, a small forest-side village near Nagarjunasagar, are opposing the Forest Department’s relocation proposal, citing deep ancestral roots and cultural ties to the land.

Situated close to the Krishna River, the village—home to about 50 families—faces frequent movement of wild animals, particularly tigers, which often cross the river in search of prey. During summer, when water levels recede, such wildlife activity increases significantly. Citing safety concerns, the Forest Department has proposed relocating the villagers to an alternate site near Devarakonda.

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“To access the village, one has to travel 15 km deep into the forest from the nearest road. It can be risky, especially with regular wild animal movement in the region,” said a senior forest official.

However, despite the risk, the majority of villagers, especially the elderly, are resisting relocation. Interestingly, younger villagers working in other towns are reportedly more open to the move, officials claim.

Under the department’s relocation package, each family is offered Rs 15 lakh, two and a half acres of agricultural land, and a residential plot at a new location. While the proposal was also discussed at a State-level meeting, villagers have yet to give formal consent, officials confirmed.

Wider resistance over Kumram Bheem Tiger Corridor

The department is also facing strong resistance over the proposed declaration of the Kumram Bheem Tiger Corridor under GO 49, issued by the State government.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has demanded immediate withdrawal of the order, alleging it is a ploy to usurp tribal lands under the guise of conservation. CPI(M) Central Committee member Tammineni Veerabhadram criticised the Congress government, accusing it of pushing the corridor project to benefit corporate interests.

“The government should repeal the order without delay,” he said at a party meeting on Friday.
He further alleged that the Congress, despite promising in its election manifesto to regularise tribal cultivation lands, had failed to fulfil this commitment even after a year in power.