Telangana Forest Minister Konda Surekha recently led a crucial meeting at the State Secretariat to review efforts aimed at stopping forest fires and protecting wildlife across the state.
She held a video conference with senior forest officials, including Chief Conservators of Forests (CCFs) and District Forest Officers (DFOs) from all districts. The focus was on current strategies, available tools, and frontline challenges in managing forest fires.
Minister Surekha asked officials about the firefighting equipment in use and whether it’s enough to handle large-scale fires. She also wanted detailed reports from districts where forest fires are most common, along with the steps taken to reduce their impact on animals and the environment.
Officials from the Wildlife Board shared updates on how they’re preparing for the upcoming summer heat. They said that 2,168 watering holes have been created in forest areas. These are being refilled daily using tractor tankers to ensure animals have access to drinking water.
The Minister highlighted the urgent need to care for animals at Nehru Zoo Park and Warangal Zoo Park during the hot season. She instructed staff to provide enough food and water and suggested adding hydrating fruits like watermelons and cucumbers to animal diets.
Key forest officials who joined the video meeting included Dr. Suvarna (PCCF, Head of Forest Force), Eel Singh Meru (PCCF, Wildlife), Jawahar (PCCF, Schemes), Sankaran (Wildlife OSD), and Sunil Hiramath, Director of Nehru Zoo Park.
The state is stepping up its efforts to protect forests and wildlife as summer approaches, showing a clear commitment to conservation and animal welfare.
