Kadapa: District forest conservative officer, IFS, M. Siva Prasad while speaking to this newspaper on Wednesday said that they have arranged semi-permanent structures for the base camp staff. Previously, they were staying in tents. It is very difficult to stay for a long time.
In view of the problems faced by base camp staff, all the 17 base camps were modified with semi-permanent structures such as containers.
Every base camp is connected with a wireless communication system that works with satellite signals. Even if any incident happens, within seconds, it will reach the nearest beat office or head quarters, Mr Siva Prasad said.
All the base camps were arranged in view of the geographical extent of Lankamala forest, which extends to 1,72,000 hectares. Every 10,000 hectares on the base camp was incorporated, and all the base camps are connected with gravel roads which are very helpful to reach them immediately, Mr Siva Prasad said.
One year ago, the taskforce staff identified the smugglers in Siddavatam beat and they found 150 logs of redwood. The staff reached the spot after one-and-a-half day by walk. In view of these problems, we have connected all the base camps with gravel roads to the nearest main road, he said.
When compared to previous years, the smuggling of red sandal has drastically reduced, Sivaprasad said. “We have arranged seven checkposts in all sides of the forest. These are the main ways to come outside the forest,” he said. These checkposts have reduced the smuggling of red sandal logs from Lankamala forest, he said. The officials have created awareness among the rural people, about forest fire, through play.
This has helped in reducing fire mishaps in forest, Sivaprasad said. “The entire forest, is under the surveillance of satellite for protection of fire accidents,” he said.
He added that if a small fire accident takes place in the forest, immediately it will be recognised by the satellite information system and the staff will reach the spot and douse the fire, he said.
“In Vontimitta and Rayachoti centres, two range officer posts are vacant, five section officers, 20 assistant beat officers and 5 beat officer posts are vacant in the district, 100 members are working to support the existing permanent staff,” he said.
