Context:
Members of the Chenchu tribe have opposed the proposed relocation from villages inside the Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Telangana, alleging pressure from forest authorities. They argue that relocation would disrupt their traditional forest-based livelihood, culture, and habitation rights.
- Chenchus are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) mainly found in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Odisha/Karnataka.
- They are traditionally hunter-gatherers and foragers, closely dependent on forests for food, honey, roots, fruits, medicinal plants, and minor forest produce.
- Chenchus often practice seasonal movement and establish temporary settlements, reflecting a semi-nomadic forest lifestyle.
- Their major habitat lies in the Nallamala Hills, spread across the Eastern Ghats.
- Chenchu tribals have been asked to relocate from the core areas of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Telangana (formerly part of the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve).
- Forest officials have cited the increasing tiger population in the reserve as a reason for the relocation to minimize human-wildlife conflict and maintain an “inviolate” space for tigers.
- Amrabad Tiger Reserve is one of India’s largest tiger habitats and is known for tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer, wild dogs, and rich biodiversity.
- Tiger Reserves in India are governed under Project Tiger (1973), now implemented through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Relocation from core tiger habitats is allowed only on a voluntary basis and with informed consent, rehabilitation package, and livelihood safeguards. Forced relocation is not legally justified.
- Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) recognizes rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes over:
- Habitation and cultivation land
- Minor Forest Produce
- Community forest resources
- Traditional cultural rights
- Gram Sabha consent is important in matters affecting forest communities.
- Major issue in such conflicts: balancing wildlife conservation with tribal rights and livelihood security.
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