Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy sought the cooperation of NGOs and the general public for the protection of AP's forest area.
Speaking on the occasion of Forest Martyrs Day held at the Nehru Zoological Park on Thursday, the CM said that the Forests Department and other security forces in the state have been taking measures to protect nearly 64 lakh hectares of forest area. He added that the active participation of NGOs and the general public would be required to ensure that the forest cover remains intact, which is important for environmental balance.
The CM listed out the measures being taken by the government to deal with sandalwood smugglers. He appreciated forest officials for their dedication. He also ensured that more vehicles would be provided to the forest department for effective movement and monitoring.
Kiran Kumar Reddy also assured that the government would consider giving a compensation package to the martyrs of the Forests Department on par with that given to the police department.
Similarly, he also agreed to consider the regularisation of temporary employees in the department. He announced the regularisation of the services of 471 First Village Workers in the state.
Forest Minister S Vijayarama Raju said that 1,292 smugglers were arrested for trying to smuggle about 764 tonnes of sandalwood from the state. Besides, 470 vehicles used for smuggling were also seized.
He said that although the state government has sanctioned 300 posts for the Forests Department, an additional 1,164 posts need to be filled.
Civil Supplies Minister D Sreedhar Babu and Bahadurpura MLA Mohammad Maozam Khan were present on the occasion. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Madhukar Raju presented a report on the performance of the department for the last one year. Special Chief Secretary (Forests and Environment) M Sameul welcomed the gathering.
Rich tributes were paid to Forest Beat Officers - T Satyanaranana and C Srinivasulu - who were killed by the smugglers this year.
Since 1982, as many as 30 officials from the state have been murdered when they tried to prevent smuggling. (INN)