Forest Minister Satrucharla Vijaya Rama Raju on Thursday stated that the government would not forcibly evacuate the tribals living in the Kawal Tiger Sanctuary in Adilabad district, but that compensation would be given to those wishing to come out of the reserve.
Talking to media persons after releasing the 2012 diary of Andhra Pradesh Forest Officers Association, at his chambers in the Secretariat, the Forest Minister stated that the National Tiger Conservation Authority has given an in-principle accord to the sanctuary to protect the tigers.
He pointed out under Section 38 V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, state governments are authorised to notify any area as a tiger reserve on the recommendation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
He asked the officials to bring to his notice any case of someone trying to forcibly evacuating the tribals from the sanctuary.
The minister said the government has announced a compensation package of Rs. 10 lakh for families who want to come out of the sanctuary.
Besides the financial package, he said, the government would also allot a house for the tribal families under the Indiramma housing scheme, as well as land for agriculture. (INN)