As India's Maoist insurgency winds down, thousands of Adivasis displaced from Chhattisgarh face uncertainty in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. They have settled in border forests for 15-20 years, practicing podu cultivation on vast lands, but now confront state land reclamation drives. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has recommended return options or rights to stay.
Thousands of Adivasis fled strife-torn areas of Chhattisgarh to border districts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh over 15-20 years, escaping crossfire between security forces and Communist Party of India (Maoist) guerrillas. Surveys by local NGOs Agriculture and Social Development Society and Sitara identify at least 270 IDP settlements across both states, housing over 32,000 people, with 147 in Telangana's Bhadradri Kothagudem district alone.
These migrants practice 'podu cultivation,' clearing forest land for farming on an estimated 70,000 acres, according to activist Shaik Haneef of Sitara. Forest authorities in both states have periodically tried to halt tree felling, reclaim land, and urge returns to Chhattisgarh, but many resist amid past conflict fears.
In a January 19, 2026, meeting in New Delhi chaired by NCST member Antar Singh Arya, the commission reviewed eviction attempts. It advised Chhattisgarh to offer returning Adivasis at least five acres of arable land, housing, jobs, healthcare, and infrastructure. For those wishing to stay, rights under Section 3(1)(m) of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, were suggested, alongside a joint survey by the three states led by the home ministry.
Vukey Suresh, who settled in Ramanakkapeta a decade ago, said, "I feel more comfortable here," though open to land near the border. Madvi Deva plans to return with his family now that the insurgency has ended, while Ravva Madaiah prefers staying, citing safety. Many express attachment to their cultivated lands despite peace reports from home.
