Village Relocation From Amrabad Tiger Reserve Gathers Pace
In the first phase, 417 families from four villages—Sarlapally, Kudichintalabailu, Tatigundala Penta, and Kollampenta—are set to be relocated, with the government allocating ₹62.55 crore for the initiative: Reports
Hyderabad: The exercise to relocate four villages situated deep inside the Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Nagarkurnool district to outside of the forest area moved one step forward with Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Wednesday handing over cheques for Rs 15 lakh each to 160 families who agreed for the relocation plan.
Bhatti Vikramarka, who handed over the cheques to the beneficiaries in the Assembly premises, said the relocation of villages was being implemented as per the wishes of the residents of the villages. It is the responsibility of the government to take steps to enable tribals lead a better life. “This is not just another administrative decision but a historic one demonstrating social and environmental responsibility of the government,” he said.
As per the wishes of the beneficiaries of the four villages who agreed for the relocation, 160 families were being given Rs 15 lakh as cash compensation, while another 257 families were being provided with a house in a new residential colony in Bacharam, along with five acres of agricultural land to each family. The work at Bacharam has already begun, Bhatti Vikramarka said.
In all, the relocation and rehabilitation of families living in Sarlapalli, Kudichintalabailu, Tatigundala, and Kollampenta hamlets inside the tiger reserve, is being taken up at a cost of Rs 62.55 crore. Of this amount, Rs 24 crore will be cash component as compensation, while Rs 38.55 crore is for constructing houses for the beneficiaries. On Wednesday, 14 families were handed over cheques of Rs 15 lakh each.
Principal chief conservator of forests (head of forest force) Dr. C. Suvarna said the village relocation will help restore around 1,500 hectares of forest, and that it is an example of balancing tribal development with wildlife conservation.
Those present on the occasion included forests minister Konda Surekha, irrigation minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, tourism minister Jupally Krishna Rao, Achampet MLA Dr Ch. Vamsi Krishna, Nagarkurnool MLA K. Rajesh Reddy, PCCF Dr C. Suvarna, Amrabad Tiger Reserve field director Dr Sunil Hiremath, and Nagarkurnool district forest officer Revanth Chandra.
