Tribal Community Opposes Turning M.M. Hills into Tiger Reserve Amid Relocation Fears

On October 29, 2025, the Forest Department is set to hold a public hearing to gather opinions from the local community on the proposed upgrade of the M.M. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary to a tiger reserve. This proposal has been pending for several years, despite approvals from the National Board for Wildlife and the State Board for Wildlife.

However, the plan has faced strong opposition from the local tribal community, particularly the Jenu Kurubas, Betta Kurubas, and Soligas, who make up a population of around 45,000 people living within the 903 sq. km sanctuary. They fear that the declaration of the area as a tiger reserve will result in their relocation, disrupting their deep-rooted relationship with the forest and its resources.