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Following protests by tribals in four districts, the Telangana government on Monday, July 21, decided to keep in abeyance the government order which allowed for the creation of the Kumram Bheem Tiger Conservation Reserve. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s decision was based on a report submitted by three ministers.
Telangana minister for Forest and Environment Konda Surekha said the decision was taken after taking into account the concerns of tribals. A full day bandh was observed by tribal groups across Adilabad, Nirmal, Kumram Bheem Asifabad and Mancherial districts in protest against the GO.
The decision was taken on a day when dawn-to-dusk bandh was being observed across Adilabad, Nirmal, Kumram Bheem Asifabad and Mancherial districts in protest against the GO.
Buses were off the roads while commercial establishments, schools, cinema theatres and fuel stations remained shut in response to the call given by tribal group Tudum Debba.
The state government on May 30, 2025, issued orders declaring the tiger corridor area connecting the Kawal Tiger Reserve in Telangana with the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra as Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve, as per the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The GO was issued to convert 1.49 lakh hectares across multiple forest ranges including Asifabad, Kerameri, Rebbena, Tiryani, Kagaznagar, Sirpur, Karjelli, Bejjur, and Penchikalpet into the Kumuram Bheem Tiger Conservation Reserve, as part of the extended Kawal Tiger Corridor.
However, with more than 330 villages affected, many tribal residents and local representatives expressed serious concerns regarding potential displacement and restrictions on their forest rights.
Konda Surekha, along with Adilabad District In-charge Minister Jupally Krishna Rao and Panchayat Raj Minister Seethakka conducted a comprehensive review of the situation and submitted their findings and recommendations to the Chief Minister.
On the direction of the Chief Minister, the Forest Department on Monday issued orders suspending the implementation of GO 49.
Minister Konda Surekha said the government took a decision respecting the concerns raised by tribal communities and public representatives across several tribal areas.
"The government is a people's government. We will never take any decision that harms the rights or livelihoods of Adivasis and tribal communities. The concerns of the local people have been heard, and action has been taken accordingly. The welfare of every citizen - especially our tribal brothers and sisters - remains our top priority,” she said.
The minister stated that the Telangana government continues to prioritise inclusive development, ensuring that conservation efforts go hand-in-hand with the rights and well-being of indigenous communities.