A host of Adivasi organsiations and associations representing weaker sections are gearing up to file objections on the draft proposal envisaging merger of the tribal sub-plan mandals – Bayyaram and Garla, known for their enormous mineral wealth, with the proposed Mahabubabad district.
The proposal was incorporated in the draft notification issued by the State Government on formation of new districts in the State on Monday.
The proposal evoked sharp reaction from several Adivasi organisations and those vociferously opposing any move to merge the Scheduled areas with plain areas as part of the proposed reorganisation of the district.
Draft notification
As per the draft notification, the district is likely to be reorganised into Khammam district encompassing 22 mandals and Kothagudem district comprising 18 mandals. The draft notification envisages inclusion of Bayyaram and Garla mandals into the proposed Mahabubabad district to be carved out of Warangal district.
While some tribal organisations are insisting that all the 24 tribal sub-plan mandals in Khammam district should be retained as a single unit under tribal autonomous council to pave way for self-governance, a few others are pressing their long pending demand for formation of an Adivasi district with Bhadrachalam as its headquarters.
Reactions
The proposal to merge the Agency mandals – Bayyaram and Garla with plain areas will undermine the rights of tribal people, said Punem Srinivas, president, Adivasi Sankshema Parishad.
The gram sabha is the supreme authority in all matters in the Scheduled areas as per the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, he noted, saying several gram sabhas in Bayyaram and Garla mandals already passed resolutions opposing the move to merge the two TSP mandals with the proposed Mahabubabad district.
Legal options
“We will explore legal options to halt the proposed move and safeguard the constitutional rights of tribal people,” he said. The CPI (ML-New Democracy) will file complaints with the appropriate authority against the proposal to divide the Yellendu constituency in the name of reorganisation of the district, said Gummadi Narsaiah, former Yellendu MLA. The Yellendu constituency comprising Yellendu, Tekulapalli, Kamepalli, Garla and Bayyaram should be kept intact either part of Khammam district or the newly proposed Kothagudem district, he insisted.
