Former cop on a mission to increase greenery

Secunderabad: In a country where a cop is the synonymous for fear, it is surprising to see some of those khaki-clad, baton yielding policemen nurturing plants and cosying up with Mother Nature. While fighting various instruments of terror and anti-social elements with grit, risking his own life and leaving his near and dear with butterflies on their stomachs, this policeman still found time to plant trees and plants aplenty wherever he worked.

Now retired from the police service, 63-year-old K Muralidhar Rao, has been receiving kudos from all quarters for his selfless services to contribute his mite towards protecting the dwindling green cover.

Says former Superintendent of Police and resident of Bowenpally, “As a child, I was always passionate about donning the police uniform. I failed to clear the Indian Military Academy (IMA) exams and could not appear for any interviews anywhere.” However, luck smiled at him when he was all of 21. He came across an advertisement for recruitment of Sub Inspector (SI) and in April 1976 he joined the department.

Throughout his career, wherever he was posted, he made sure he planted saplings and also encouraged his colleagues to do so. He spent a lot of time in serving various stations in Karimnagar, specifically Vemulwada.

Recollecting an incident in which he was shot at by insurgents, he said, “On the day I was shot at, unfortunately there was no helicopter available in the village to airlift me. I was brought to the city in an ambulance. Since the journey was long, my condition was deteriorating. However, my staff members were always supportive and ensured that I got the best medical treatment.”

In spite of encounters with Naxals and anti-social elements, his verve for work never diminished but saw him rising in his career. From a Circle Inspector (CI) in 1986, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in 1999, Additional Superintendent of Police in 2005 and Superintendent of Police (SP) in 2005, his rise was steady.

The present Falaknuma police station was constructed during his tenure and due to his efforts traffic violations took a nosedive for which he was awarded by the department. Scores of awards and trophies adorning his showcase include Telugu Uttama Seva Pathakam from NT Rama Rao, Andhra Pradesh Seva Pathakam from the then Collector of Karimnagar, Mahonata Seva Pathakam, Mukhyamantri Shaurya Pathakam, Indian Police Medal, President’s Police Medal, President’s Gallantary Medal and Antrik Suraksha Pathakam.

In Hyderabad, Murlidhar Rao served as Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) of Banjara Hills, Traffic Assistant Commissioner of Police of Central Zone and Assistant Commissioner of Police of Faluknama police station.

Currently, Murlidhar Rao is working as Chief Vigilance Officer at the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company (TSSPDCL). His duty entails him to work on anti-power theft.

While he ritually nurses plants at home, his passion for trees is apparent as the colony he resides in sports a sylvan look, all thanks to the 50 trees he planted - one tree at a time.