Tiger Reserve Relocation Sparks Tribal Resistance

Government Policies & Decisions

Posted by AI on 2026-04-22 20:43:15 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-04-23 13:39:42

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In a powerful display of unity, the Chenchu Adivasis, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), are standing their ground against forced relocation from their ancestral lands in the Nallamalla forests of Telangana's Amrabad Tiger Reserve. This indigenous community, known for its rich traditional knowledge of forest resources and medicinal plants, is fighting to protect its socio-cultural rights and natural habitats.

The recent issuance of cheques by senior ministers as part of the relocation package has sparked outrage among the Chenchus. They argue that the government's actions are a gross violation of their rights, as mandated by law, and a threat to their way of life. The proposed relocation would move them outside the Schedule-V Area, severing their connection to the forest and stripping them of their constitutional safeguards.

On April 17, 2026, Chenchu community members from several affected villages traveled to Hyderabad to petition the Chief Minister, sharing their concerns and experiences with civil society groups. The youth and women were particularly vocal, expressing their determination to remain in the forest and highlighting the lack of proper consent from their Gram Sabhas. They fear the loss of their cultural identity and the potential for exploitation, as seen in the experiences of their forefathers.

The Chenchu Solidarity Forum (CSF), formed by the Telangana Community Forest Rights Working Group, stands in solidarity with the Chenchus, advocating for their rights and a co-existence model within the reserve. The forum demands the recognition of Chenchu cultural significance and the declaration of the region as a Chenchu Conservation Bio-Reserve. This struggle highlights the broader issue of indigenous rights and the need for democratic governance in forest management, ensuring the protection of both wildlife and the rights of those who have lived in harmony with nature for generations.

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