Telangana govt halts GO 49 after tribal backlash over forest conversion plan

LatestPoliticsTelangana
By HNH Web Desk
GO 49

Hyderabad: The Telangana government has suspended Government Order (GO) 49 following widespread objections from Adivasi and tribal communities in Kumurambheem-Asifabad district, where over 330 villages were reportedly at risk due to forest conversion plans.

Forest Minister Konda Surekha announced on Monday that the order was put in abeyance on the directions of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, after concerns were raised by local residents, public representatives, and tribal rights groups.

Issued on June 30, GO 49 proposed converting 1.49 lakh hectares across forest ranges including Asifabad, Kerameri, Rebbena, Tiryani, Kagaznagar, Sirpur, Karjelli, Bejjur, and Penchikalpet into the Kumurambheem Tiger Conservation Reserve, part of the Kawwal Tiger Corridor expansion. Affected villagers feared displacement and curbs on traditional forest use.

Ministers Konda Surekha, Jupally Krishna Rao, and Seethakka reviewed the situation and submitted recommendations to the Chief Minister, who then instructed the Forest Department to halt implementation. The government also requested a detailed report from the district collector for further review.

Konda Surekha said the Congress government prioritised indigenous rights alongside conservation, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive development. “We will never act against the interests of tribal communities,” she said.

 

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