LAW OF THE JUNGLE

The forest officer’s murder has got the force agitated while the tribals are up in arms over title deeds to the land

- Amarnath K. Menon

On November 26, four days after Gutti Koya tribals hacked forest range officer (FRO) Ch. Srinivasa Rao to death, forest officials in Telangana made an extraordinary demand which the state government is likely to approve. They wanted firearms to secure the jungle, deal with forest-related crimes and for self-protection. State principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) R.M. Dobriyal has already raised the pitch on the issue. In a video conference with his officers, the PCCF told the worried force that he was asking for the opening of 30 new forest stations, each with an 18-member team, firearms and patrol vehicles. And this would just be in the first phase.

The Telangana situation already has a precedent; Kerala has set up similar stations to keep tabs on forest land encroachers, prevent smuggling/poaching and protect the wildlife. Apart from forest stations, the Telangana government is also planning a legislation to amend the existing Forest Act, close the loopholes on punishments meted out (currently many offences have provisions for bail). "The government is committed to the security and protection of forest officials," Dobriyal emphasised to assuage the apprehensions of his officers. He also urged frontline staff, who have been on strike since November 24, to rejoin work immediately, saying their grievances would be addressed.