Hans News Service Amaravati

DeputyChief Minister and minister for forests and environment Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday paid tributes to forest personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty while protecting forests, wildlife and natural heritage.

“The forests we protect today are the legacy we leave for generations tomorrow. Those who gave their lives defending them have secured a legacy that time can never erase,” he said in a post on social media posted by the Deputy CMO on the occasion of State Forest Martyrs Day.

“On State Forest Martyrs Day, I pay my deepest tributes to the brave forest personnel of Andhra Pradesh who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty while safeguarding our forests, wildlife and natural heritage. Their courage in the face of danger, dedication to duty and selfless commitment to protecting nature remind us that conservation is not just a responsibility, but a service to humanity and future generations,” he said.

“I also salute every forest officer and frontline personnel who continue to serve in challenging and vulnerable conditions. Their safety, welfare and dignity must remain our collective priority. Their lives were dedicated to protecting nature. Their sacrifice will forever inspire our commitment to preserve it,” Pawan Kalyan added.

The state forest department observes the Forest Martyrs Day on November 10 every year in remembrance of P Srinivas, a Karnataka cadre IFS officer hailing from Rajahmundry, who was killed by sandalwood smuggler Veerappan in Namadalli forest range in Chamrajnagar district of Karnataka in 1991.

National Forest Martyrs Day is observed annually on September 11 to honour forest guards, rangers and officers who lost their lives protecting forests, wildlife and natural resources.

The day coincides with the historic Khejarli Massacre of 1730, where 363 members of the Bishnoi community sacrificed their lives to protect the Kejarli trees in Marwar Kingdom.