A hush fell over the dense green canopy of Mamanduru Forest in Tirupati district as Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Forest and Environment, Pawan Kalyan, embarked on a significant ground-level inspection this Saturday. Stepping into the wilderness, this was his first direct forest visit after taking charge, underscoring his serious intent for environmental protection.
Scrutinizing the Green Gold: Rare Flora and the Seshachalam Ecosystem
The journey began with a rugged drive, traversing over four kilometers deep into the jungle’s path. Then, Deputy Chief Minister disembarked, preferring to go on foot, trekking nearly two kilometers deeper into the heart of the forest. With genuine curiosity, he paused at every bend, scrutinizing the flora from the precious Red Sanders, Ankudu, Tella Maddi, and Bamboo to the rare species found only in the unique Seshachalam hills. He was seen keenly questioning Forest Department officials, absorbing details like a dedicated student.
From the Watchtower: Mapping Borders and River Origins
Climbing the watchtower at Neperiyar Reserve Forest, Pawan Kalyan got a panoramic, bird’s-eye view of the entire landscape. He grilled the officials on the vital geographical markers the boundaries of the Veligonda and Seshachalam forests and the source of the Swarnamukhi River. Later, sitting beside the tranquil Gunti Madugu Vagu stream, he took a moment to appreciate the pristine nature, again asking about the variety of trees lining the banks.
The War on Smuggling: Minister Takes Stock of Task Force Operations
A core focus of the visit was the notorious Red Sanders smuggling. Pawan Kalyan held a crucial review, demanding specifics on anti-smuggling measures, the functioning of the Task Force, and the ongoing anti-poaching combing operations. He took time to understand the challenges faced by the field staff and provided them with necessary instructions. The visit was capped off by symbolically planting saplings with the officials in the Mamanduru forest area.
Subsequently, he inspected the Red Sanders Godowns at Mangalam in Tirupati district. Standing amidst eight massive warehouses filled with logs, he insisted on a meticulous accounting of every lot, categorized by grades (A, B, C, and non-grade). In a clear, non-negotiable directive, the Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan ordered the Forest Department to immediately implement special barcoding and a live tracking system for every single Red Sanders log. The message was resolute: “Not one log must go missing from the point of seizure until it is sold.” His hands-on approach and sharp focus on conservation and crackdown on smuggling signal a new, tough era for Andhra Pradesh’s forest administration.
Pawan Kalyan: Moments in the Wilderness
Deputy Editor, Prime Post
With an illustrious career spanning 29 years in the dynamic field of journalism, Anand Gantela is a seasoned professional who has made significant contributions to both print and electronic media. His wealth of experience reflects a deep understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of news reporting.
