Amaravati, January 30, 2026: The Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Tribes Commission held a hearing into complaints from tribal communities in Gudisa village, Maredumilli mandal, Polavaram district.
Tourism activities, running since 2022 under an agreement between a local eco-tourism committee and the Forest Department, have generated significant revenue, reportedly in crores but villagers say little has reached them for basic needs like roads, clean water, housing, or schools.
Tribal representatives highlighted pollution of streams from tourist waste and open defecation, plastic and bottle litter in forests, and accidents caused by speeding or unfit vehicles, some fatal to people and livestock, with no follow-up accountability.
They also accused the Forest Department of uneven enforcement, fining Adivasis for small actions while overlooking tourism violations.
