Chenchu tribe on the verge of extinction

PNS|Vijayawada

The Chenchu tribe seen in the interior thick forest of Nallamala in Eastern ghats are one of the ancient tribes finding a place in our cultural and spiritual history which is on the verge of extinction. Chenchus tribes live in small clusters of 10 to 15 huts on an average inside the forest. By nature, these people are of migrating attitude and will not be staying in a location for more than an year or two. The main source of living is hunting and consuming forest produce. They make a little money by collecting leaves, tubers, roots, soapberries, gum, honey etc. A typical Chenchu family is seen with a wife, children and a hunting dog armed with an axe and bow for defence from the wild animals.

Centuries back the Srisailam temple was to be visited by a number of pilgrims from across the country when there were no roads. Pilgrims walk through thick forest across hillocks and crossing streams enroute. These Chenchus used to provide protection to the pilgrims from wild animals and used to guide their way to the temple. After the road was formed to Srisailam, they were left unemployed and used to attack the pilgrims for food.

Since these tribes live aloof in the forest from the mainstream, they were far away from civilization and fruits of the Independence or advancement in Technology are unreachable. Moreover, when the Government declared the Nallamala forest as a Reserved forest and also as a Wildlife sanctuary, stringent restrictions of the Forest Act hindered formation of roads or providing minimum amenities and infrastructure in the forest.

Government has established Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDA) in tribal areas in 1979 to look after the well being of these tribals and to provide the required goods and services.

Malnutrition, anemia, tuberculosis, skin diseases are the most common health issues among the community. It is understood that the pollen of a forest weed “Tridax Procumbens” is the root cause of tuberculosis along with malnutrition. Added to these, Chenchus brew their own liquor with locally available Vippa flowers and jaggery, which also add to their ill health.

Many NGOs and Social Activists worked and are working to bring back these Chenchus to the mainstream and be a part of our civilized society, but the results are not that encouraging. With the efforts of many Social Reformers like SR Sankaran IAS, organizations like RDT, at least 30 to 40 % of the Chenchus could be brought to plains and were provided all welfare schemes and education. But, still 60 to 70% live in forests.

As per Census 2011, the Chenchu population spread over three districts of Prakasam, Guntur, Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh and in two districts, Mahaboobnagar and Nalgonda of Telangana state is 64,227. Total population includes 32,196 males and 32,031 females.

But, the worrying factor is that there is a fall in the population now and as per a moderate survey, the population is around 50,000. This clearly indicates that the community is on wane and nearing extinction.