State Forest Martyr Day: Deputy CM Highlights Sacrifice of Forest Workers

Amaravati, 10 November – Deputy Chief Minister and Forest Minister Pawan Kalya used the occasion of State Forest Martyr Day to salute the forest officers who paid the ultimate price while safeguarding Andhra Pradesh’s green cover, wildlife and heritage sites. In his message, Kalya noted that the forests we preserve today are a priceless inheritance for tomorrow’s youth, and those who gave their lives ensured that this inheritance remains intact. He praised their bravery, sense of duty and selfless devotion, stating that their martyrdom continually fuels the state’s commitment to environmental protection. Kalya also acknowledged the ongoing efforts of current forest officials and frontline staff who operate under challenging and perilous conditions, insisting that their protection and welfare must be a shared concern. The annual observance on November 10 honors the memory of P. Srinivas, a security officer from Karnataka killed by sandalwood poacher Veerappan in 1991 in the Namadalli forest of Chamrajnagar. The national Forest Martyr Day on September 11 commemorates rangers and officials who have died protecting natural resources, a date also remembering the 1730 Khajurali massacre where 363 Bishnoi community members sacrificed their lives defending khejri trees.