Telangana DGP CV Anand urges officials to join hands to save forest lands

DGP CV Anand pays tribute to forest personnel who lost their lives protecting forests and wildlife in Telangana. | Photo credit: By arrangement

23 forest workers lost their lives while protecting forests and wildlife in Telangana, DGP CV Anand said on Friday while paying tributes to them on the Forest Department’s Martyrs’ Day at the Nehru Zoological Park.

DGP Anand said that the sacrifices of forest workers who faced threats while protecting natural resources and wildlife cannot be forgotten. He also condoled with the family of Forest Beat Officer Banotha Naveen, who died on August 11 after being caught in a wildlife trap in Palvancha.

Mr. Anand said the Forest Martyrs’ Day, observed on September 11, commemorated the sacrifice of 363 members of the Bishnoi community who died protecting trees in Khejarli, Rajasthan in 1730. He said the event was comparable in significance to the Police Day of Remembrance.

He urged the collector, SP and forest department officials to work closely together to prevent encroachment on forest lands. Even the small remaining patches of forest must be protected for future generations, he said.

Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao said the government stands by the families of forest workers who died in the line of duty and will continue to extend all possible support. He stressed the need to equip forest personnel with weapons to help them deal with the menace of timber smugglers and wildlife poachers.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Vinay Kumar said forest personnel were working in highly dangerous conditions, especially when patrolling at night and trying to apprehend poachers and illegal timber smugglers.

The DGP also recalled his family’s long association with the forest department and said the police department would extend all necessary support to the forest personnel.

Published – 11 Sep 2026 20:52 IST