World Forestry Day celebrations were organized on a grand scale at the Telangana Forest Academy in Dulapally. Held under the aegis of Academy Director Priyanka Varghese, the event was attended by distinguished guests, including Smt. Konda Surekha (Minister for Forests, Environment, and Endowments), Ahmed Nadeem (Principal Secretary, Forests, Environment, Science, and Technology Department), Dr. C. Suvarna (Principal Chief Conservator of Forests), and Abhilash Bisht (Director, Raja Bahadur Venkata Rama Reddy Police Academy). The program commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Konda Surekha emphasized that the conservation of forests is the responsibility of every individual, describing them as the very foundation of our existence. She noted that air, water, food, and all living organisms are entirely dependent on nature. Citing the adage “Vruksho Rakshati Rakshitah” (He who protects trees is protected), she asserted that our future remains secure only if we protect our trees.
Expressing concern over the depletion of forests due to urbanization and industrial expansion, the Minister pointed out that issues such as climate change and water scarcity are on the rise. She highlighted that the Telangana government is undertaking extensive tree-planting initiatives through the ‘Vanamahotsavam’ program, adding that it is equally imperative to focus on the subsequent protection and nurturing of these saplings. The Minister issued a call to action, urging every household to plant a sapling and every family to nurture a tree.
PCCF (HoFF) Dr. Speaking on the occasion, Suvarna stated that forests are an inseparable part of human life and serve as the very lifeline for our survival. She noted that it takes hundreds of years to create natural forests, describing them as invaluable gifts bestowed by nature. She further pointed out that protecting forests has become a formidable challenge amidst threats such as forest fires, wildlife-related conflicts, and encroachments. The PCCF emphasized that public participation is absolutely essential for forest conservation and acknowledged that forest personnel are working tirelessly around the clock.
Principal Secretary Ahmed Nadeem remarked that forests play a pivotal role in maintaining ecological balance. He lauded the commendable efforts undertaken by frontline personnel in the conservation of forests.
IPS officer Abhilash Bisht stated that raising awareness regarding the environment is of paramount importance. He emphasized that every single day is significant when it comes to environmental protection. Noting the rising frequency of phenomena such as landslides, climate change impacts, and floods, he asserted that nature will protect us only if we protect nature in return. He suggested that special courses focusing on environment and climate change issues be conducted at the Police Academy.
MoU Between Forest and Police Academies for fields of training and capacity building
On this same occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Telangana State Forest Academy (TGSFA) in Dulapally and the Raja Bahadur Venkata Rama Reddy Telangana Police Academy (RBVRR) in Himayat Sagar, aimed at fostering mutual cooperation in the fields of training and capacity building.
Under this agreement, joint training programs, training materials, and faculty exchanges will be undertaken. Skills are set to be enhanced by providing mutual training opportunities to trainees and by facilitating the exchange of scientific and technical information. A Joint Academic Board will be constituted to ensure effective coordination.
On this occasion, the Minister presented certificates of appreciation to officials and voluntary organizations that have made exceptional contributions to the conservation of forests and wildlife. Subsequently, Minister Konda Surekha laid the foundation stones for several development works within the Academy premises. She formally inaugurated the construction works for the main entrance, the swimming pool, and the cafeteria.
Senior officials—including PCCF (Wildlife) Vinay Kumar, PCCF (Development) Ratnakar Jauhari, CCF (Admin) S.J. Asha, CCF (CAMPA) Kshitija, Academy Deputy Director Rekhabhanu, and Gangireddy—participated in this event.
