Adivasi Groups Protest GO 49 with Bandh in Telangana’s Adilabad

Rapid Summary

• A near total bandh was observed in the Agency areas of the erstwhile Adilabad district, Telangana, in protest against Government Order No. 49 (GO 49).
• GO 49, issued on May 30, 2025, declares a ‘Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve,’ designating a tiger corridor between kawal Tiger Reserve in Telangana adn Tadoba-Andhari Tiger reserve in Maharashtra.
• Adivasi organisations like Tudum Debba claim that this conservation reserve will displace Adivasis from over 300 tribal settlements and deprive them of forest-based livelihoods.
• Shops and businesses were closed voluntarily; normal life was disrupted significantly across Kumram Bheem Asifabad and Adilabad districts.
• TGSRTC bus services were affected temporarily during the bandh’s peak hours.
• Partial impact of the bandh was reported in Mancherial and Nirmal districts.
• Members of various tribal organisations held demonstrations at key locations including a sit-in at the Adilabad town bus depot.
• Tudum Debba’s State leader Godam Ganesh accused GO 49 of violating Adivasi rights protected under special legislations like the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act. He called for its immediate withdrawal.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The widespread protests stemming from GO 49 underscore pressing concerns about balancing wildlife conservation efforts with tribal rights and livelihoods. While declaring tiger conservation reserves can bolster environmental protection initiatives important for biodiversity preservation, such measures should address potential displacement issues sensitively. The claims made by adivasi leaders-supported by participation across multiple tribal regions-highlight fears surrounding their loss of ancestral lands and traditional forest-based economic systems.

This situation raises critical questions about adherence to legal provisions safeguarding indigenous communities under acts like PESA (Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas). Transparent dialogue between government authorities, environmental agencies, and impacted communities may be vital to resolve tensions without compromising either ecological goals or human rights.

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