Hyderabad: The Congress govt has taken up the rehabilitation and relocation of tribal families living in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve as part of its efforts to balance the development of tribal families with wildlife conservation. As part of this initiative, steps have been initiated to rehabilitate tribal families from villages within the reserve. In the first phase, rehabilitation is being extended to a total of 417 families from four villages.Deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Wednesday distributed cheques worth Rs 15 lakh each to 14 tribal families at the assembly council hall in the presence of ministers Konda Surekha, Uttam Kumar Reddy, and Jupally Krishna Rao. Speaking on the occasion, Bhatti said the govt considers it its responsibility to bring development into the lives of tribals who have lived in harmony with nature in the Amrabad forests for centuries. At the same time, he emphasised that equal importance is being given to forest and wildlife conservation.“This is not an ordinary administrative decision. It is a historic socio-environmental reform. Voluntary rehabilitation of tribal families will improve their living standards while restoring natural habitats for wildlife, including tigers. The entire process is being carried out based on the consent of the tribal families,” Bhatti said.Assistance is being provided in two options, based on beneficiaries’ preferences: Rs 15 lakh as cash compensation for 160 families, and modern housing along with five acres of agricultural land for 257 families at Bacharam in Nagarkurnool district. A total of Rs 62.55 crore has been allocated for the development of families from Sarlapalli, Kudichintalabailu, Tatigundalapenta, and Kollampenta villages. Of this, Rs 24 crore is earmarked for cash compensation and Rs 38.55 crore for housing facilities. Pilot project works have already commenced at Bacharam, the deputy CM said.“This is not just a relocation of houses. It is a transformation of lives. After rehabilitation, tribal families will be provided with permanent housing, drinking water, electricity, healthcare, and agricultural land. Modern schools, anganwadis, and digital learning facilities will be made available for tribal children. Economic self-reliance will be strengthened through self-help groups and skill development centres. The Rs 15 lakh compensation provided is among the highest in the country,” Bhatti said.Through this initiative, about 1,501 hectares of forest land will be restored, enabling the free movement of wildlife, including tigers. Measures will also be taken to increase the tiger population. The rehabilitation colony being constructed at Bacharam is being developed as a model village with all basic amenities, including roads, drinking water, electricity, schools, community halls, and farmer platforms.PCCF Suvarna stated that this rehabilitation effort will play a crucial role in forest conservation. She emphasised that the programme is being implemented by balancing tribal development and wildlife conservation. This initiative is expected to emerge as a comprehensive programme that improves tribal livelihoods while contributing to forest conservation.
