Twenty two forest officers, who lost their lives while on duty from 1984 to 2016, were posthumously honoured on Forest Martyrs Day observed here on Monday.
Forest Minister Jogu Ramana bestowed honours on them for having protected the forest wealth and wildlife during their service time.
“They gave up their lives so that we all can enjoy the beauty of nature, including the future generation,” the Minister pointed out. In the year 2016-17, forest staff penalised offenders in 7,173 cases related to timber theft to collect ₹2.94 crore.
The officials also collected a compounding fee of ₹10.92 crore from offenders apart from seizing 1,495 vehicles. A total of ₹6.87 crore worth timber was seized and transported to government timber depots.
Telangana will soon recruit 1,857 Forest Beat Officers, 90 Forest Section Officers and 67 Forest Range Officers, the Minister announced. The department has set up 144 Base Camps with five local tribal and non-tribal watchers in each camp. These have been established in interior vulnerable forest areas to prevent illicit felling of trees, smuggling and encroachment.
The department also constituted 61 strike forces for patrolling in vulnerable areas and 55 forest checkposts to curb smuggling. The department is better connected through communication channels which have reached almost all staff members. The department currently has 2,142 vehicles to ensure mobility and protection.
Before installing a sthupa to honor the deceased staff members of the department, the Minister who spoke at city’s Zoological Park congratulated the staff for having maintained safety and security of wildlife with care.
“The Government is implementing Telangana Ku Haritha Haram as one of its flagship programme and the only of its kind in the country in order to achieve the National goal of 33% of Geographical area under tree cover in the State.
This year Government has already allocated a plan budget of ₹140 crore to the Forest Department to achieve the objective,” he said.
“As part of various afforestation programmes an area of 3,509 hectares of block plantation and 600 kilometers of avenue has been taken up during this year and so far about 29 crores seedlings have been planted with the participation of people,” Mr. Ramana said.