Forest Martyrs Day observed at zoo

Bahadurpura: Minister for Environment, Forests, Science and Technology A Indrakaran Reddy called upon everyone to remember the sacrifices made by forest martyrs, during a programme commemorating the Forest Martyrs Day held at Nehru Zoological Park on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister recalled that this day was being observed in memory of 360 people of 'Bishnoi' community who laid their lives to protect Khejri trees in Rajasthan State in the year 1730. "Every year we are observing 'Forest Martyrs Day' on 11th September to pay homage to all the brave forest staff who laid down their lives in protecting forest wealth and wildlife in the State of Telangana on a par with all states in the country," he said.

He pointed out that the government was giving top priority to the protection of forests and development of green cover in the State. Under Haritha Haram, an area of 28, 862 hectares of block plantation and 7, 409 kilometers of avenue plantation had been taken up. As per the Chief Minister's message of 'Jungle Bachao - Jungle Badao,' 174 crores of seedlings were planted in the state since the formation of the Telangana State and the rejuvenation of degraded forests was also taken up, he added.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) R Sobha said that the forests of the State were under extreme external pressures and the forest personnel were working under trying conditions to protect the forest wealth of the State. "So far 21 officers of various cadres laid down their lives while protecting, forests and wildlife in the Telangana state. They gave up their lives so that the forest wealth is protected and conserved the future generation," she said. She asked the citizens to dial toll-free number 18004255364 for providing information regarding the smuggling of forest wealth, reporting grievances or lodging complaints.