Hyderabad: Orugallu Wildlife Society (OWLS) and other green voluntary organisations have condemned “threats, obstruction and attacks” targeting forest department personnel, and urged state govt to ensure their protection.The organisations criticised Khanapur MLA Vedma Bhojju Patel and Sirpur MLA Palvai Harish Babu over their alleged remarks and conduct towards forest officials. They said political intervention in enforcement work could weaken forest and wildlife protection and expose field staff to further attacks.In a statement, OWLS said forest personnel were working in difficult conditions to protect forests, wildlife and other natural resources, but were increasingly facing confrontation while discharging their duties.The organisation alleged that forest personnel had been obstructed, threatened and denied cooperation in some villages. It also objected to alleged calls asking villagers not to cooperate with forest department staff.Referring to Khanapur MLA Vedma Bhojju Patel, the groups alleged that his approach towards forest officials could undermine enforcement of forest laws. They also accused political leaders of putting pressure on lower-level employees instead of resolving disputes with govt and senior officials.They alleged that illegal construction, sand transportation, timber movement, hunting and killing of wildlife in reserve forests posed a threat to forest conservation. Local communities, public organisations and elected representatives should cooperate with authorities in preventing such offences, they said.The statement also alleged that tribals were being provoked against forest officials and cautioned that portraying govt employees as enemies could deepen tensions between communities and the department.OWLS objects to alleged remarks by Sirpur MLAThe organisations expressed concern over remarks they attributed to Sirpur MLA Palvai Harish Babu. They alleged that statements such as “You know what to do if anyone comes in their way“ and “You know how to deal with the authorities if they come in their way“ could be interpreted as encouraging confrontation with forest personnel.They also objected to an alleged remark that “even the police will not come in your way“, saying elected representatives should encourage disputes to be resolved through legal and administrative mechanisms.The allegations in the OWLS statement about the MLAs’ specific remarks and incidents could not be independently verified from the material provided. Published reports, however, show that both legislators have previously raised grievances against forest department officials.Harish Babu had in Nov 2024 accused forest officials of subjecting farmers and tribals to third-degree treatment over suspected wild-boar poaching and demanded action against the officials. Published reports also show that Bhojju had criticised forest officials over the demolition of tribal huts in the Kawal Tiger Reserve area.Group cites past attacks, calls for stronger safeguardsOWLS referred to previous attacks on forest department personnel in the state, including assaults on officials who tried to prevent alleged illegal activities. It also recalled the killing of a forest field officer while on duty and an assault on a woman forest officer.The statement referred to tensions in areas including Amrabad Tiger Reserve and Kawal Tiger Reserve, besides forests around Kothagudem, Jannaram and Udumpur. It said repeated confrontations had created insecurity among personnel working at the field level.The organisation said incidents involving alleged assaults with sticks and pepper spray, verbal abuse and obstruction of officials needed to be addressed through dialogue and enforcement of the law.“Insulting the officials who protect the forest and the environment will not be tolerated,“ OWLS said.It said Article 51A(g) of the Constitution places a fundamental duty on citizens to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests and wildlife.The groups said the uniform worn by Forest Department personnel deserved the same institutional respect accorded to other uniformed government services. They also sought better coordination from police and district administrations when forest personnel sought assistance during enforcement operations.OWLS said programmes held on occasions such as World Environment Day, forest-related observances and wildlife days would have little impact unless conservation commitments were implemented on the ground.It urged the Forest and Environment Minister and senior Forest Department officials to intervene, hold discussions with communities and elected representatives in forest areas and resolve disputes through legal and administrative channels.
