Tribals from Maisampet up in arms against delay in Kawal Tiger Reserve rehabilitation package
Twenty-two villages were identified for displacement due to the formation of Tiger Reserve, which came into existence in 2012.
Nirmal: Protesting against the inordinate delay in extending the rehabilitation package for surrendering their lands for the creation of Kawal Tiger Reserve, the displaced tribals from Maisampet village have erected huts in the hamlet by reoccupying it on Monday.
The disgruntled 90 aboriginal tribals have returned to the resettlement and rehabilitation colony created on 12 acres near Kottamaddipadaga village in Kaddampeddur mandal and built the huts to reside here.
They have expressed their displeasure over the delay in the disbursement of either compensation of Rs 15 lakh or 2.32 acres of cultivable land to each individual aged above 18 years. They have also stocked up the ration and grocery which could last for a few days.
Athram Dev Raol, one of the displaced tribals, regretted that they had been waiting to receive benefits since 2022. He said the delay in sanctioning the resettlement and rehabilitation package was causing great inconvenience to them. For reasons unknown, he added that none of the promises made by forest officials at the time of relocation had been fulfilled so far.
The tribals further lamented the loss of their livelihood and bonding with their village after the displacement. They bemoaned their struggle to make ends meet. They also regretted that the colony lacked basic amenities and had not yet been notified as a village. They urged the government to take necessary steps to address their problems at the earliest.
Officials said 142 families from Rampur and Maisampet villages, situated in the core area of Kawal Tiger Reserve in Kaddampeddur mandal, were relocated to the resettlement and rehabilitation colony in phases. Of these, 48 tribals chose the compensation option of Rs 15 lakh, while 94 opted for a land parcel.
Twenty-two villages were identified for displacement due to the formation of Tiger Reserve, which came into existence in 2012. The core zone of the reserve covers 893 sq km and the buffer zone 1,120 sq km, spanning forests in four districts — Adilabad, Kumram Bheem Asifabad, Nirmal, and Mancherial.
