Panel to Study Feasibility of Heavy Vehicles Access in Kawal Tiger Reserve

Adilabad: During the Telangana State Wildlife Board meeting on August 4, Khanapur MLA and board member Vedma Bojju urged forest minister Konda Surekha and other officials to permit heavy vehicles to traverse the Kawal Tiger Reserve in Adilabad district, citing local developmental needs. In response, the forest department announced it will conduct a comprehensive study to assess the proposal’s impact on wildlife and biodiversity before making any decision.

Bojju noted that residents face a lot of hardships due to current vehicle‐movement restrictions and expressed confidence that permission would be forthcoming. The board will forward the study’s findings to the National Board for Wildlife, whose members and experts will make the final call.

At present, the forest department prohibits heavy vehicles, especially at night when animal movement peaks, to prevent wildlife accidents involving speeding trucks. The upcoming study will evaluate road width and strength for heavy transport, toll gate locations and fee structures, wildlife mortality from road accidents, and the impacts of noise, dust, and air pollution on flora and fauna. Specialists will also classify vehicles by axle count and weight.

Forest minister Surekha emphasised that every project will adhere to a “people-first, forest-first” approach, ensuring tribal rights are respected and the forest’s integrity is preserved.