Members of the Chenchu tribe in Telangana’s Nallamala forests submitted petitions to the Chief Minister on April 17, 2026, protesting against alleged coercive measures by the forest department to relocate them from the Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Nagarkurnool district.
Concerns Over Forced Relocation
The tribe has raised concerns over forced displacement, arguing that relocation threatens their traditional lifestyle, cultural identity, and livelihood, which are closely tied to the forest ecosystem.
About the Chenchu Tribe
The Chenchu tribe is among India’s oldest food-gatherer communities:
- Classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)
- Traditionally dependent on hunting, gathering, and forest produce
- Known for their deep ecological knowledge and sustainable living practices
- Have inhabited the Nallamala forests for centuries.
Ecological Importance of the Region
The Amrabad Tiger Reserve, part of the Nallamala forest tract, is a biodiversity hotspot:
- Home to diverse flora and fauna, including endemic species
- Plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation, especially for tigers
- Supports ecological balance and forest-based livelihoods.
Source: DTE
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