National Forest Martyrs Day: TS minister remembers officers who died protecting forests

Hyderabad: Since 1984, 21 forest officials have lost their lives while protecting the forest in Telangana, said state minister for environment forest science and technology A. Indrakaran Reddy on the occasion of National Forest Martyrs Day on 11 September.

Speaking at the Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad, he recalled the history of the day. About 292 years ago, in 1730, 360 people of the Bishnoi tribe sacrificed their lives to protect the forests in the state of Rajasthan, he said.

"To commemorate their sacrifices, every year on 11 September, we celebrate Forest Martyrs' Remembrance Day across the country," he added.

Hailing the efforts of forest officials, the minister said, "The officers and staff of the forest department are continuously working to protect natural resources. It is commendable that the forest officials and staff are working without fear even when there are wild beasts and smugglers in the forests."

Performance of the forest department

"During the year 2021-2022, the forest authorities registered a total of 11,669 cases and imposed a fine of Rs. 14.07 crores. Rs. 7.31 crores worth of timber was seized, 1,634 vehicles were confiscated, and 1,133 cases of forest land encroachment have been registered," Mr. Reddy said.

Regarding the filling up of vacancies, he said the government has sanctioned the recruitment of 92 forest section officers, 14 forest range officers, and 1,393 forest beat officers this year. Besides, 2,173 vehicles were handed over to the forest officials and staff.

Jungle Bachao–Jungle Badao

"We are taking large-scale measures with people's participation for the protection of the existing forests as well as the revival of degraded forests," Mr. Reddy said.

He said comprehensive measures have been initiated to protect forests and curb smuggling activities. "Additionally, we are also trying to curb the drinking water problem for wild animals by setting up drinking water facilities in parts of the forest," he added.

The minister said the state is taking steps to protect the forests by digging 10,732 km long trenches to control forest boundaries, domestic animals, and cattle. Gourd saplings are being planted on these trenches, he added.

Telangana Green Scheme

As part of the Telangana Green Scheme, more than 268.75 crore plants have been planted across the state.

The minister said nurseries are being set up in every village panchayat. Till now, 14,965 nurseries have been set up of which 12,769 have been set up in gram panchayats and 1,002 nurseries have been set up in municipalities.

"Reforestation of degraded forests is being undertaken on a large scale at the district level to increase greenery in the state," Mr. Reddy said.