Kothagudem faces a challenge as the forest department warns about the growing dangers from the Guthikoya tribes. These tribes have moved from Chhattisgarh into the forests of Kothagudem. Forest Divisional Officer (FDO) Koteswara Rao reports that these settlers have taken over large parts of the reserve forest and have attacked forest officials who try to enforce the rules.
In the Kothagudem division, particularly in the Jaggaram compartment within the Ramavaram range, about 34 families have cleared 400 acres of forest for podu farming. Each family controls between 30 to 40 acres illegally.
Despite warnings for over a year, these families continue using the land, supported by certain political figures. This backing has encouraged the Guthikoyas, contributing to the destruction of forests. The situation turned violent recently, with forest personnel attacked three times in one month. Last week, nine people were charged for attacking officials.
To ease tensions and spread awareness, the forest department held educational programs in tribal areas last week. Special meetings occurred with Guthikoya families in Jaggaram and Palavagu near Musalivarre (E).
These programs focused on podu farming and forest conservation, emphasizing the importance of protecting these areas. During the sessions, FDO Koteswara Rao, Tahsildar Krishna, and CI Pratap warned the tribes of arrest and imprisonment if they cut down trees or harm forest staff.
Officials emphasized that forests are not just state property but crucial ecological resources that must be preserved for future generations.
