Hyderabad: Telangana observed Forest Martyrs’ Day at Nehru Zoological Park on Thursday, where Minister for Environment and Forests Konda Surekha paid homage to 22 forest officers who sacrificed their lives since 1984 while protecting forests and wildlife.
The Minister recalled the 1730 Khejarli incident in Rajasthan, where 360 Bishnois gave their lives to save trees, drawing a parallel with the courage of Telangana’s forest staff who continue to face life-threatening challenges.
Honours and Benefits for Forest Martyrs’ Families
Konda Surekha announced her plan to recommend benefits for forest martyrs’ families on par with police martyrs. These would include educational support for children. She also urged the revival of state awards for distinguished service by forest officers on Independence Day and Republic Day.
Major Afforestation and Green Initiatives
Highlighting the state’s green mission, the Minister noted that 324.64 crore saplings have been planted under Telangana Vanamahotsavam. She further stated that 73 urban forest parks are now open to the public.
The state has completed 10,980 km of boundary trenching, developed 2.03 lakh acres of block plantations, and planted 8,614 km of avenue greenery. To aid forest staff, 2,118 vehicles have been sanctioned.
Boosting Forest Protection Measures
The government has established 62 forest check-posts and 174 base camps with watchers to strengthen surveillance. Compensation for deaths caused by wild animal attacks has been raised from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh. Amendments to the PD Act are underway to curb staff assaults and forest smuggling.
Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao also paid tributes, noting that forest personnel often work in hostile, remote areas without communication facilities, roads, or basic amenities while facing smugglers and wild animals.
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