Hyderabad: The Telangana government on Wednesday launched the Amrabad tribal rehabilitation programme, distributing Rs.15 lakh cheques to 14 tribal families in the first phase. The initiative aims to relocate families from the Amrabad Tiger Reserve while improving living standards and protecting wildlife habitats.
Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, along with ministers Konda Surekha, Uttam Kumar Reddy and Jupally Krishna Rao, handed over the cheques at a ceremony in Hyderabad. The Amrabad tribal rehabilitation programme marked the beginning of a large-scale socio-environmental effort.
The project will cover 417 families from four villages. Of these, 160 families opted for a Rs.15 lakh cash package. Meanwhile, 257 families chose an alternative option that includes housing with modern amenities and five acres of agricultural land at Bacharam in Nagarkurnool district.
Amrabad tribal rehabilitation offers dual resettlement options
Bhatti Vikramarka described the initiative as a “historic reform.” He said it would improve tribal living conditions while restoring forest ecosystems and wildlife habitats, including those of tigers. He also stressed that the process was being implemented with full consent from the affected families.
The government allocated Rs.62.55 crore for the Amrabad tribal rehabilitation programme. Of this, Rs.24 crore was earmarked for direct cash compensation. In addition, Rs.38.55 crore was set aside for housing development.
The scheme covers villages such as Sarlapalli, Kudichintalabailu, Tatigundalapenta and Kollampenta. Authorities said the relocation would reduce human pressure on forest areas while enabling sustainable development for tribal communities.
The rehabilitation site at Bacharam is being developed as a model village. It will include roads, drinking water, electricity, schools, healthcare facilities and community infrastructure. Moreover, the government plans to introduce digital education, anganwadi centres, self-help groups and skill development programmes.
Officials said the Amrabad tribal rehabilitation initiative would help restore nearly 1,501 hectares of forest land. This, in turn, is expected to strengthen wildlife habitats and support tiger conservation efforts in the reserve.
Senior forest officials, including PCCF Dr. Suvarna, said the programme could serve as a model for integrating tribal welfare with ecological conservation. They noted that it balanced human development needs with environmental protection goals.