Telangana government to begin issuing pattas for podu lands of tribals in February itself, says CM

Podu lands are the lands tilled by the tribal people in forests.

The icing on the cake is that after the distribution of podu land pattas, the government would also provide them Rythu Bandhu, a crop investment subsidy which is about ₹10,000 per acre per year.

The lands would also be provided with a power supply and irrigation facility, the chief minister added.

Also read: Telangana announces 10% reservation for tribals 

Girijan Bandhu to be introduced

The chief minister also sought to cheer up the tribals with the announcement that, on the lines of Dalit Bandhu, he was going to introduce Girijan Bandhu to help those who do not have land, to start their own businesses and stand on their own feet.

But the munificence of the chief minister came with a caveat. He said that the tribals, in return, should give in writing to the government that they would protect the forest lands.

If anyone resorts to felling trees in the forest for podu cultivation, the government would take stern action against them, including cancellation of the pattas issued to them.

He wanted the tribals who are into podu cultivation to henceforth be the guardians of the forests which are very essential for ecological balance, and for ensuring timely and bountiful rainfall.

The chief minister was angry that in the name of podu cultivation by tribals, a lot of political mud-slinging has been going on.

‘Protection of forests is important’

Rao said the protection of forests is very important as it had a bearing on the environment. It was unfortunate that Gutti Koyas who migrated from Chhattisgarh were being encouraged to fell trees in the forests. They were being incited into attacking the Forest Department officials, he contended.

The chief minister said that no one could say they have a right over podu lands because they were a testament to the encroachment of land after the destruction of the forest.

It is highly deplorable that indiscriminate felling should continue at a time when, all over the world, forest cover and environment protection have become a priority.

He disapproved of the attacks on forest officials, referring to the slaying of a forest official by Gutti Koyas.

“The government had to go to the rescue of his family by providing ₹50 lakh,” he said.

Related: Forest officer killed over podu land issue in Telangana

Upper caste trying to claim podu lands

Another disturbing trend, according to the chief minister, was that some upper-caste non-tribals were marrying tribal women to claim rights over podu lands.

In the Khammam district, there were several upper caste people in possession of podu lands. “Is it possible for one person to own 10 to 20 acres of podu land?” he asked.

The chief minister also asked the Forest Department officials and police not to attack the tribals. At the same time, the government would not tolerate any attacks on forest officials by tribals.

He disapproved of Gutti Koyas’ “gundagiri” in forest areas. The government, henceforth, would not allow the feeling of even one tree in forest areas.

“Armed policemen would be deployed to protect the forests after finalisng the boundaries for the forest areas,” he said.

The House unanimously adopted a resolution moved by the chief minister asking the Centre to include Valmikis and Boyas under STs.