Hyderabad:The Telangana Adivasi Girijana Sangham staged a dharna outside the forest department, demanding the immediate collection of tendu leaves and the prompt calling of tenders for procurement. A delegation of activists submitted a representation to principal chief conservator of forests R.M. Dobriyal on Tuesday.
Organisation president and former Bhadrachalam MP Dr Midiyam Babu Rao emphasised that around five lakh tribals and non-tribals depend on tendu leaf collection. "This work also indirectly supports thousands more. Pruning should have started in February. If delayed, tribals will lose a crucial source of income, which helps them fund weddings and cultural events. Proper pruning ensures healthy leaf growth within 45 days, driving economic activity in weekly markets and shandies," he explained.
He also pointed out that the bonus paid to workers from the tender amount collected from contractors was suspended by the BRS government in 2016. While it was later announced that the amount had been released, not all workers received their dues.