A day after the forest officials were attacked by TRS supporters led by leader Koneru Krishna Rao when they went to plant saplings at a plot allotted for forest development, the Telangana forest department Monday carried out a mass plantation drive at the site in Kagaznagar.
Around 400 members of the department planted saplings on 20 hectares of land where range officer Chole Anitha was attacked by the mob. Meanwhile, Anitha on Monday demanded action against the accused, saying that this attack is on the uniform.
In a bid to boost the morale of the often neglected and beleaguered forest staff, senior IFS officers of the state, including the chief conservator of forests and district forest officers posted nearby, also participated in the drive.
The place where lady range officer was attacked. Plantation was done at same location today by 400 FD, police & other personals. All nearby senior officers were present & 20 hectare was planted to save land from future encroachment. Much required step & befitting reply. pic.twitter.com/ufg1VqUiJF
— Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) July 1, 2019
“The idea is to put up a united front in the face of such attacks,” said an IFS officer from the state on condition of anonymity. “That is why forest staff went there in such large numbers,” the officier added.
Forest department staff from nearby also joined in uniform in solidarity with the local staff. Chief Conservator of forest & nearby posted DFOs also remained on spot to support. A much required step for boosting the morale of local staff. pic.twitter.com/npvuIdSL6d
— Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) July 1, 2019
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On Sunday, the forest officials were allegedly attacked by TRS supporters led by Zila Parishad Vice Chairman Konaru Krishna when they went to plant saplings at a plot allotted for forest development. The main accused Krishna, who is the brother of TRS legislator K Konnappa, resigned from the post after the incident.