Pawan Orders Publication Of Forest Land Encroachment Details With Names
“Forest lands are national wealth. Those who violate the law, however powerful, will face stern action,” he stated.
Vijayawada:Deputy Chief Minister and Forest Minister K. Pawan Kalyan has directed officials to publish details of forest land encroachments — including the names of those involved, the extent of land occupied, and case status — on the Forest Department’s official website for public access.
Chairing a review meeting with senior forest officials via teleconference on Monday, Pawan Kalyan said that under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the government is determined to protect forest assets and preserve them for future generations. “Forest lands are national wealth. Those who violate the law, however powerful, will face stern action,” he stated.
The meeting reviewed alleged encroachments in Mangalampet forest, Pulicherla mandal, Punganur constituency, where about 104 acres are reportedly under the possession of former forest minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy and his family.
Pawan informed that he had briefed the Chief Minister and Cabinet colleagues on the reports, videos, and documents received and that complete details would soon be made public. He had earlier conducted an aerial survey of the area, following an inspection of the Musalimadugu elephant training camp, to assess the extent of illegal constructions, fencing, and forest boundary violations.
Forest officials told him that Preliminary Offence Reports (PORs) and charge sheets had already been filed and some encroached portions reclaimed. However, Pawan noted discrepancies in survey numbers and land records. “In Mangalampet survey numbers 295 and 296, land has been subdivided and reclassified to show inflated figures. Records list 45.80 acres under their control, but Webland data shows 77.54 acres. This irregularity must be investigated,” he said.
He also flagged alleged false declarations made by Peddireddy’s son, MP Mithun Reddy, regarding forest land ownership in his 2024 election affidavit. The vigilance report, which documents these encroachments, would form the basis for further legal action.
“The law is clear and uncompromising. Anyone encroaching upon forest resources will face consequences, regardless of their status or political affiliation,” Pawan Kalyan affirmed, urging close coordination among departments to protect the state’s natural assets.
