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Curbs causing hardships, bemoan Chenchus
The Chenchu tribals living in 42 hamlets in the Nallamala forest area of Mahbubnagar district have been facing severe hardships following restrictions clamped by the Forest department on their movement from the habitats to the plains.
Mahbubnagar: The Chenchu tribals living in 42 hamlets in the Nallamala forest area of Mahbubnagar district have been facing severe hardships following restrictions clamped by the Forest department on their movement from the habitats to the plains.
- Forest department monitoring movement of tribals
- Officials say restrictions are for their welfare, safety
The tribals now have to take permission, since refusing to move out to the plains at the instance of the Forest officials, as they depend mostly on the forest for their living. Earlier, these tribals were harassed by the police in Mannanur and by Maoists in the forest. They had been living happily following the waning influence of the Maoist activities.
There is no happiness among the tribals as their movements are being checked by the forest staff manning three check-posts in Amrabad mandal. Those living in the forest used to sell their produce at shop set up by the Girijan corporation near Mannanur and return with items purchased with the amount earned.
Following the curbs being clamped by the Forest department they can’t move about freely, as their every move is being recorded by the check-post staff. Details like why the Chenchus are leaving the forest, where they are going, who is accompanying them and how many are coming back are some of the details being noted down by the staff. Complete information of these Chenchu families are also being noted.
Only after that they are being allowed to move. When they question the Forest officials why such restrictions are in place the latter claim they have every right to do so. Nimmala Srinivasulu, Chenchu Ikya Vedika president and Mannanur Sarpanch, Ch Ramulu, Chenchu Sangham leader, U Uday, T Lingaiah, teachers, and K Peddi Raju, president, Chenchu Seva Sangham, told The Hans India that the Forest department curbs are causing untold hardship and anxiety among the tribals. T
hey want the State government to find a solution to the problem facing the Chenchus. On their part, the Forest officials, while denying allegation of causing inconvenience to tribals, claim that the check-posts have been set up for their welfare and safety. They say strong action is being taken against those causing damage to forest wealth after entering in violation of regulations. Balaswamy, Achampet Forest Range Officer, said precautions are being taken by the department to avoid any hardship to tribals.
