Telangana DGP Calls for Coordinated Push to Protect Forest Lands

Telangana Director General of Police C.V. Anand on Friday said 23 forest personnel have lost their lives in the state while protecting its forests and wildlife, and called for closer coordination among district administrations and the Forest Department to check encroachment on forest lands.

Speaking at a Forest Department Martyrs' Day observance at the Nehru Zoological Park, the DGP paid tribute to the fallen staff and said their sacrifices, made in the face of constant threats while guarding natural resources, would not be forgotten. He offered condolences to the family of Forest Beat Officer Banothu Naveen, who died on August 11 after being caught in a wildlife snare at Palvancha.

Mr. Anand noted that Forest Martyrs' Day, observed on September 11, marks the sacrifice of 363 Bishnoi community members who died in 1730 while protecting trees at Khejarli in Rajasthan. He said the occasion carries significance comparable to Police Commemoration Day.

He asked Collectors, Superintendents of Police and Forest Department officials to work in close tandem to prevent forest land from being encroached upon, stressing that even the small patches of forest that remain must be safeguarded for future generations. Recalling his family's long association with the Forest Department, he said the Police Department would extend all necessary support to forest personnel.

Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao said the government stood by the families of forest staff who died in the line of duty and would continue to extend all possible assistance. He also underlined the need to arm forest personnel so they can confront threats posed by timber smugglers and wildlife poachers.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Vinay Kumar said forest staff operate in highly hazardous conditions, especially during night patrols and while trying to apprehend poachers and illegal timber smugglers.