In News:

In May 2025, the Telangana government announced the sanctioning of 10,000 Indiramma houses to Chenchu tribal families under a saturation approach in four Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDA)—Utnur, Bhadrachalam, Munnanur, and EturuNagaram. An additional 700 units per ST assembly constituency have also been approved within these ITDA areas.This move aligns with the state’s commitment to improving housing infrastructure in tribal areas.

About Chenchu Tribe

Classification:

• Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Andhra Pradesh
• Also found in Telangana, Karnataka, and Odisha

Habitat:

• Primarily inhabit the Nallamalai forests (Eastern Ghats)
• Chenchu settlements are called “Penta”, consisting of kin-based scattered huts

Language:

• Native Chenchu language (Dravidian family)
• Many also speak Telugu

Social Structure:

• Small conjugal families with gender equality
• Village elder, known as “Peddamanishi”, serves as the community authority

Livelihood:

• Forest-based subsistence lifestyle
• Depend on collection of non-timber forest produce (NTFPs) such as:
  • Roots, tubers, fruits, beedi leaves, honey, gum, mohua flowers, tamarind
• Some serve as forest laborers, but mostly rely on traditional hunting and gathering

Religion & Culture:

• Worship local deities; blend of indigenous and Hindu practices
• Hold deep spiritual ties with the Srisailam Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva and Devi Brahmaramba), which lies at the heart of their region
• Chenchus enjoy customary privileges at the Srisailam shrine