metro india news  I hyderabad

The Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials to prioritise the development of eco-tourism in Telangana, making optimum use of the State’s extensive forest resources, rivers, and waterfalls. Citing examples from Singapore, where night safaris are run on just 30 acres, the CM said Telangana has vast forest tracts that can be transformed into major tourist attractions.

Chairing a review meeting on the Forest Department at the Command Control Centre, the CM observed that despite having rich forest reserves like Amrabad and Kawal Tiger Reserves, residents of Telangana still travel to other states such as Bandipur and Tadoba to see tigers. He instructed that facilities in these reserves be improved to attract more visitors locally.

On the issue of land disputes, Revanth ordered joint surveys between the Forest and Revenue Departments to clearly demarcate boundaries and resolve conflicts. District Collectors have been asked to take special interest in this process. He also directed that detailed plans be drawn up for the development of the Kakatiya Zoo in Warangal under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, noting Warangal’s potential as the second-largest city in the State after Hyderabad.

Addressing human-wildlife conflict, the CM instructed officials to ensure immediate compensation for victims of wild animal attacks — including the injured, families of the deceased, and those who have lost livestock or pets. He authorised the use of the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for this purpose.

Departments executing development works such as roads in forest areas have been told to work in close coordination with the Forest Department to secure necessary permissions promptly. 

Revanth further stressed the need to obtain clearances from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change at the earliest. For improved wildlife protection, the CM ordered that all forest surveillance cameras be linked to the Command Control Centre to enable real-time monitoring of animal movements.

Addressing manpower shortages, he directed the Chief Secretary to take up the allocation of additional IFS officers with the Centre. Proposals for promotions and recruitment in the Forest Department should be prepared immediately. The CM also instructed the reinstatement of awards to recognise officials demonstrating exemplary performance.

The meeting was attended by Forest and Environment Minister Konda Surekha, Special Chief Secretary (Forests) Ahmad Nadeem, CM’s OSD Vemula Srinivasulu, PCCF Dr. C. Suvarna, PCCF (Wildlife) Elusing Meru, and other senior officials.