Hyderabad: The Hyderabad High Court on Wednesday restrained the forest officials of Khammam district from destroying any of the huts and dwelling units, as well as other structures, erected by the Gothikoyas tribals in the reserve forest areas of Khammam.
The court also directed that the administration should not deprive the Gothikoyas of basic facilities which they are enjoying now.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Thottathil B. Radhakrishnan and Justice S.V. Bhatt gave directions on the pleas of people from Gothikoya community, seeking to direct the officials not to displace them. The matter was taken up based on a news report in these columns, ‘Gothikoyas still deprived of rights’ on October 3.
The bench directed the project officer for the Integrated Tribal Development Authority to inspect the reserve forest to identify the number of inhabitants and their occupations and the extent of forest area which was put for cultivation.
It directed a survey of the structures, cultivations and other facilities available now in the forest area. It directed the member secretary, Telangana Legal Service Authority (TSLSA), to make an in-depth study of the laws and applicable schemes of National Legal Services Authority of India.
The court directed the Centre to place its views on record on the Gothikoyas issue.
The Court expressed concern over deforestation and directed the Gothikoyas not to further cut down trees. It suggested carrying out cultivation without deforestation or altering the physical features of the land. The court posted the case to February 5, 2019.
