417 Families to Move as Telangana Expands Amrabad Tiger Reserve Rehabilitation Drive

In a major step aimed at balancing tribal welfare and wildlife conservation , the Telangana government has accelerated the voluntary rehabilitation of families living inside the Amrabad Tiger Reserve , a key forest landscape under India’s Project Tiger initiative. At a programme held in the Assembly Council Hall, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka , along with other ministers, distributed ₹15 lakh cheques to select beneficiaries, marking progress in a long-planned resettlement effort. In the first phase, 417 families from four interior villages have been identified, with the government allocating ₹62.55 crore for the initiative, including direct financial assistance and housing support.

The programme stands out for its choice-based model , allowing families to either opt for ₹15 lakh compensation or relocate to a newly developed settlement at Bacharam in Nagarkurnool district . While around 160 families have chosen cash assistance, the remaining beneficiaries are being provided with five acres of agricultural land , along with houses and essential infrastructure. Officials say the new settlement is being developed as a model village , equipped with roads, drinking water, electricity, schools, anganwadi centres, and digital learning facilities , addressing long-standing gaps in access to basic services for tribal communities living in remote forest areas.

Beyond social benefits, the initiative is expected to generate significant ecological benefits by freeing nearly 1,501 hectares of forest land , enabling the creation of inviolate habitats critical for tiger conservation. Experts note that reducing human presence in core areas helps minimise conflict and supports biodiversity growth, particularly for apex predators. The compensation package offered is among the highest in such programmes nationwide, aligning with national guidelines while attempting to ensure livelihood security and preserve the dignity of tribal communities . As the state prepares for further phases, the Amrabad initiative is emerging as a potential model for achieving sustainable development without compromising environmental priorities.