Hyderabad: Telangana DGP C.V. Anand, a 1991-batch IPS officer of the Telangana cadre, has called for closer coordination between the police, forest department and district administrations to protect the state’s forests and wildlife, while paying tribute to forest personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Speaking at the National Forest Martyrs’ Day programme at Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad on September 11, Anand said 23 forest personnel in Telangana have sacrificed their lives while protecting forests and wildlife.
He also paid tribute to Forest Beat Officer Banoth Naveen, who died in August after coming into contact with an illegal electric trap allegedly set to hunt wildlife in the Paloncha forest range of Bhadradri Kothagudem district.
DGP Seeks Stronger Coordination
Anand stressed that protecting forests requires coordinated action by multiple departments, particularly in areas affected by encroachment, illegal timber movement and wildlife poaching.
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The DGP said the Police Department would extend full cooperation to forest officials in dealing with such threats. He also highlighted the risks faced by frontline forest personnel while working against organised smugglers and poachers.
Key concerns highlighted include:
- Protection of forest land from encroachment and illegal activities.
- Stronger coordination between police, forest officials and district administrations.
- Better safety measures for personnel working in vulnerable forest areas.
- Action against wildlife poaching and illegal forest-resource exploitation.
Banoth Naveen’s Death Highlights Risks
Naveen died on August 11 while on duty in the Paloncha range after coming into contact with a live electric wire reportedly placed by hunters to trap wild animals. He had gone into the forest with other personnel after receiving information about suspected poaching activity.
The incident subsequently led to a joint investigation involving the forest, police and electricity departments. Officials examined how electricity had been illegally extended into the forest and whether other people were involved. Four people were later arrested in connection with the case.
The Forest Department also planned additional measures to identify vulnerable locations, monitor suspicious electrical connections and sensitise field staff about dangerous hunting methods.
Why Forest Personnel Face High Risks
Forest officials working in protected and reserve areas often operate in difficult terrain while confronting illegal logging, wildlife hunting and other forest-related offences. Telangana forest officials have also highlighted risks from poachers and other offenders during patrols and night operations.
Anand’s remarks therefore placed the sacrifices of forest personnel within a wider call for stronger institutional cooperation to protect both the state’s natural resources and those tasked with guarding them.
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