Telangana government keeps GO 49 in abeyance after Adivasi, tribal objections

The GO sought to convert 1.49 lakh hectares into a tiger reserve across Kumram Bheem-Asifabad district as part of the proposed expansion of Kawal Tiger Corridor

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

Forest Minister Konda Surekha, in a statement, said the decision followed detailed discussions with all key stakeholders and a review of the public concerns, especially from tribal areas.

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Surekha, along with Adilabad District Incharge Minister Jupally Krishna Rao and Panchayat Raj Minister D Anasuya, held a comprehensive review and shared their recommendations with Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. Following this, the Chief Minister instructed the Forest Department to withhold implementation of GOMs 49.

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.

In response, the government sought a detailed report from the District Collector.