Even as the deadline set for removal of encroachments in forest lands ended by September, attempts of the revenue authorities to resolve the issue remain a non-starter. The official machinery is of the view that making forest free of encroachments is not an easy task. The tribals have settled in the forests of Andhra Pradesh for centuries and they may find it difficult in vacating the areas. The Centre had issued orders for preserving forests in the wake of Supreme Court directives.