Deputy CM lauds forest department for cracking down on illegal hunting traps

Vijayawada: The forest department has intensified its efforts to protect wildlife by launching operations against illegal hunting traps and snares in forest areas. Forest personnel in Rampachodavaram forest division dismantled hundreds of traps laid by poachers, preventing a serious threat to wildlife and reinforcing the govt’s commitment to conservation.The operation, carried out under challenging conditions over three days, resulted in the removal of 242 snares, 10 foot traps, and nearly 10 kilometres of illegally laid electric wires that posed grave danger to wild animals. Forest officials said the crackdown was part of a broader strategy to curb poaching and ensure the safety of wildlife in ecologically sensitive forest regions.Lauding the dedication and courage displayed by the field-level forest staff, deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan said they worked tirelessly in difficult terrain to eliminate threats to wildlife and set an inspiring example for others in the department. “Protecting animals from poachers is no less than a rescue operation and requires constant vigilance, commitment and dedication from forest personnel,” he said.Pawan also highlighted the crucial role played by tribal communities living near forest boundaries in preserving forests and wildlife for generations, and urged tribal residents and local communities to remain alert and immediately report any illegal traps, snares or unauthorised electric fencing to forest authorities.Calling forests a “valuable natural heritage”, the deputy CM appealed to the public to cooperate with forest officials in conservation efforts. “Hunting threatens biodiversity and disturbs the ecological balance of forests. I urge forest personnel to maintain friendly relations with local communities to strengthen protection measures and encourage public participation in safeguarding wildlife,” he advised.Pawan assures ‘pollution-free Godavari Pushkaralu'Pawan, who later visited the Jindal waste-to-energy plant at Kondaveedu in Guntur district, said the state govt will implement expert recommendations on waste management to ensure a pollution-free Godavari Pushkaralu. “Special workshops would be conducted in 268 panchayats linked to the Pushkaralu to strengthen waste management practices,” he said, while stressing on the need for better waste segregation from villages to cities and converting waste into energy and other useful resources."Andhra Pradesh will become a dumping yard-free state. We are taking inspiration from successful waste management models in other cities such as Indore,” he said, adding that waste-to-energy projects would help reduce pollution, generate power, and create employment opportunities.