Hyderabad, July 21 -- The Congress-led Telangana government has decided to put Government Order (GO) 49 on hold following widespread opposition from tribal communities and elected representatives in tribal areas. The move comes amid concerns that the order could affect the rights and livelihoods of thousands of Adivasi residents across Kumurambheem-Asifabad district.

State forest minister Konda Surekha announced the decision on Monday, July 21, stating that the government had taken into account public sentiment and concerns raised from over 330 villages likely to be affected by the order.

GO 49, issued on June 30, proposed converting 1.49 lakh hectares of forest land into the Kumurambheem Tiger Conservation Reserve, as part of the Kawwa...