Even before the government is to take a decision on the proposed Kanthanapally project across river Godavari, hundreds of tribals are attempting to occupy the virgin forest, fearing evacuation. In the process, they began felling trees to relocate their villages.
A forest official, V. Lingam, who tried to prevent them from felling trees was beaten up so severely that he fell unconscious on June 12. Officials say about 100 tribals from Buttaigudem and Munepally reached Kondai hamlet and began felling the trees near Puredipalli cheruvu. Authorities say trees in at least a hectare of forest land were cut by the tribals, who wish to relocate their villages in the belief that their displacement because of the Kanthanapally project is imminent. The forest clearance took place near Kondai hamlet.
The tribals of Sarvai, Tupakulagudem, Chityala, Gangaram, Bhupatipur, Buttaigudem, Eturu, Mupanapalli and Kanthapalli have identified rich and beautiful forest areas all along the Devadula pipeline bordering Karimangar and Warangal districts for relocating their villages. There are approximately 500 tribal families in these hamlets abutting river Godavari in dense jungles of Eturu Nagaram mandal.
A case was registered against the tribals and the issue was brought to the notice of the district Collector G. Kishan. “We have scaled up the security and vigilance all over the mandal. Serious threat to forest is all along the Devadula pipeline where the entire stretch of forest is marked for felling and raising settlements by the tribals,” explains DFO (Wildlife) Ch Ganga Reddy.
According to Mr Reddy, the forest tract is untouched and pristine. It falls within the wildlife sanctuary. “It is natural and luxurious patch. We cannot afford to lose it at any cost,” he said.
Meanwhile, sources in the district administration argue that the proposed project should be reviewed. Some officials point out that only a barrage could be constructed across the river which would help hold water back up to Devadula project.
