GO 49 on establishing Komaram Bheem tiger reserve suspended following backlash from tribals

Hyderabad: Minister for Forests, Environment and Endowments Konda Surekha clarified that the Congress-led Telangana Government has decided to keep government order (GO) 49 in abeyance, respecting the concerns raised by tribal communities and public representatives across several tribal areas on Monday.

The issue was about the State government’s earlier decision to establish Komaram Bheem Tiger Conservation Reserve in 1.49 lakh hectares in Komaram Bheem-Asifabad district.

Acting on the direction of chief minister A Revanth Reddy, the Forest Department has officially issued orders to suspend the implementation of GO 49.

The decision comes after detailed discussions held with all key stakeholders and a thorough review of public concerns, especially from the tribal areas.

Konda Surekha, along with Adilabad district in-charge minister Jupally Krishna Rao and Panchayat Raj minister Seethakka, conducted a comprehensive review of the situation and submitted their findings and recommendations to the chief minister. Following this, the CM instructed the Forest Department to withhold the GO until further notice.

What is the GO 49 about?

On June 30, the Forest Department issued GO 49, aimed at converting 1.49 lakh hectares across multiple forest ranges in Kumurambheem-Asifabad district, including Asifabad, Kerameri, Rebbena, Tiryani, Kagaznagar, Sirpur, Karjelli, Bejjur and Penchikalpet into the Kumurambheem Tiger Conservation Reserve, as part of the extended Kawwal Tiger Corridor.

However, with more than 330 villages in line to get affected by the project, many tribal communities and local representatives expressed serious concerns regarding potential displacement and restrictions on their forest rights.

Soon after, the State government sought an additional report from the district collector to address the situation comprehensively.

‘Welfare of tribal communities is priority’

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to tribal welfare, Konda Surekha stated, “The Congress government is a people’s government. We will never take any decision that harms the rights or livelihoods of Adivasis and tribal communities. The concerns of the local people have been heard, and action has been taken accordingly. The welfare of every citizen, especially our tribal brothers and sisters, remains our top priority.”

The Congress-led Telangana government continues to prioritise inclusive development, ensuring that conservation efforts go hand-in-hand with the rights and well-being of indigenous communities, she said.