Protect Forests, Surekha Calls on People on Eve of Forest Martyrs Day

Hyderabad: Forests and environment minister Konda Surekha on Tuesday called on people to do their bit for protecting forests and the environment and derive inspiration from the 22 forest officers and staff who have given up their life in line of duty protecting forests in the state.

In a message on Tuesday, eve of Forest Martyrs Day on Wednesday, Surekha said the ultimate sacrifice by the forest officials protecting the environment for future generations was no less than the sacrifices made by soldiers guarding the country’s borders.

The Congress government was working on increasing the strength of the forest department, filling up vacancies, and strong measures are on the anvil to prevent felling of trees and illegal occupation of forest lands in the state, she added.