Tribals protest against Kumram Bheem Tiger Conservation Reserve

Tribals staged a protest against the State government's decision to convert a part of the Kawal Tiger Reserve corridor into the newly notified Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve

Kumram Bheem Asifabad: Tribals staged a protest against the State government’s decision to convert a part of the Kawal Tiger Reserve corridor into the newly notified Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve. A massive rally was taken out from KB Chowk to the District Collectorate on Sunday, opposing Government Order (GO) 49 through which the reserve was created.

Large numbers of tribals from different parts of the district participated in the rally, which passed through major junctions such as Vivekananda Chowk and the bus stand. They began the protest by paying floral tributes to tribal icon Kumram Bheem and raised slogans demanding the withdrawal of the GO, warning that the agitation would intensify if the government did not reconsider its decision.

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Asifabad MLA Kova Lakshmi, BRS leader Dr RS Praveen Kumar, former Sirpur (T) MLA Koneru Konappa, and former Adilabad MP Soyam Bapu Rao extended their support to the protest.

Lakshmi said the previous BRS government had issued pattas for podu lands and ensured access to welfare schemes, whereas the current Congress government was hindering cultivation by tribals.

Praveen Kumar criticised Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, stating that despite assurances to tribal communities in Indervelli, the government was now creating hurdles. He alleged that roads were not being built to remote tribal hamlets, while efforts were being made to displace forest-dwelling communities.

Soyam Bapu Rao alleged that the Centre was behind the move and termed the conservation reserve a conspiracy against tribals. He said the issue would be taken to the President of India if the GO was not withdrawn.

Koneru Konappa said the lives of tribals would be impacted by the reserve and assured full support to the protest movement. He said an action plan would be drawn up to hold demonstrations in all villages, with locals hoisting black flags to mark their dissent.

Tudum Debba state president also opposed the move, stating that tribals were being treated as a vote bank. He urged people to resist any harassment in the name of tiger conservation and called for a renewed tribal movement inspired by leaders such as Kumram Bheem and Ramji Gond.