Cong govt to make TG a Vrindavan: Konda Surekha  

Konda Surekha, Minister for Forests, Environment and Endowments, said that if soldiers are sacrificing their lives fighting the enemies on the borders for the protection of the country, forest employees are sacrificing their lives fighting for the protection of the forests, which are the natural resources of the country.
On the occasion of National Forest Martyrs’ Day (September 11), Minister Konda Surekha praised the efforts of forest employees for the preservation of forest wealth and wildlife while remembering the sacrifices of the martyrs who laid down their lives for the protection of forests.
She said, “Man’s life began from forests. Forests bear witness to human evolution. In the process of man’s transformation from primitive to modern man, the forests have become extinct. Man has developed a special bond with the motherly forests. That connection encouraged them to move for environmental protection.”
She also said that many incidents have been recorded in history where nature lovers sacrificed their lives for the protection of forests. The movement that started in the early 18th century of India’s history with the rebellion of the Bishnoi tribe against the King of Jodhpur against the felling of trees in the village of Khejarli inspired the forest conservation movements like Silent Valley Movement, Appiko Movement, Jungle Bachao Andolan and Chipko Movement. Even today, many voluntary organisations and nature lovers are fighting for the protection of forest wealth and restoration of forests with great determination.
“The systems that recognised the importance of forests for human survival recognised the need to protect the forests by the government and the seed of the forest department was planted. Many forest department employees and staff have laid down their lives for the protection of forests. It is very sad that 22 forest personnel lost their lives as part of their duty in the State. Their sacrifices for forest conservation are priceless. It is clear that the Congress people’s government has succeeded in implementing activities to prevent such incidents from happening. The forest employees and staff who are participating in the Maha Yajna to increase the State’s forest wealth from 24 per cent to 33 per cent through the Vana Mahotsavam program of the Congress government wished to work efficiently towards making Telangana State a Vrindavan”, she added.