The Karnataka Forest Department, Kodagu Circle, Madikeri, recently paid tribute to forest martyrs by offering floral tributes at the Forest Martyrs’ Memorial in the Madikeri Forest Office on the occasion of National Forest Martyrs’ Day.
The programme was attended by Kodagu Zilla Panchayat CEO Anand Prakash Meena, Kodagu Circle Chief Conservator of Forests Sonal Vrishti, Deputy Conservators of Forests V. Abhishek, N. H. Jagannath, K. A. Nehru, Sandeep P. Abhayankar, and Syed Ahmed Shah Hussaini, Assistant Conservators of Forests V. Sendil Kumar and Tahseen Banu Dawadi, Zonal Conservator of Forests Thyagaraj, District President of the Government Employees’ Association M. C. Arun Kumar, Kodagu Circle Gazetted Manager P. P. Saroja, Assistant Director of the Information Department Chinnaswamy, Deputy Zonal Forest Officer Subraya, Patrol Forest Guard Nagaraj Radaratty, Forest Observer Sachin Talawara, Office Manager H. S. Kannaiah, Elephant Mahout Annaiah Doriappa, RRT staff K. U. Kumaresh, P. P. Ammanni on behalf of the forest welfare employees, Jagadish on behalf of the drivers, Puneeth Kumar on behalf of the PCE employees, and ASI Chennakeshava on behalf of the police department, who placed wreaths at the memorial.
Speaking on the occasion, Zilla Panchayat CEO Anand Prakash Meena said that those who lost their lives while engaged in forest conservation must always be remembered. He stressed that forest conservation is everyone’s responsibility and biodiversity can survive only if the environment is preserved.
Drawing a parallel, he said that just as soldiers on the borders and police personnel within the country protect citizens, forest department officers and staff play an equally important role in protecting forests and the environment.
Kodagu Circle Chief Conservator of Forests Sonal Vrishti recalled that about 363 people of the Bishnoi community were killed when they opposed the felling of trees grown in the Khejarli region for the palace of the Maharaja of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. To commemorate their sacrifice, the Government of India has declared September 11 as National Forest Martyrs’ Day.
He noted that the names of several forest officers and staff who sacrificed their lives for the protection of forest wealth and wildlife remain etched in the history of the Karnataka Forest Department. Their extraordinary efforts, courageous deeds, and supreme sacrifices are an inspiration for future generations to protect endangered natural resources.
He emphasised that it is the duty of all citizens to protect nature and natural resources. While forest staff are working hard, public cooperation is essential to preserve forest wealth for the benefit of families, communities, and the nation.
He acknowledged that the forest department constantly faces the threat of wildlife and smugglers. Successes and failures are part of their work, but the safety of people remains equally important. He urged officers and staff to balance professional duties with the welfare of their families.
He also encouraged staff to engage in sports, noting that a state-level sports meet will be held next week, which would give them relief from their daily routine.
Deputy Conservator of Forests V. Abhishek read out the names of 62 martyrs of various ranks who lost their lives while serving in the forest department.
He recalled the service of P. Srinivas, an Indian Forest Service officer who was known as “Abhimanyu of the Karnataka Forest Department” for his philosophy of being born for the forest, living for the forest, and dying for the forest. Posthumously honoured with the Kirti Chakra by the Government of India, Srinivas fell victim to the deceit of forest brigand Veerappan and was killed on November 10, 1991.
He also paid tribute to Kollegala forest guard B. C. Mohanayya, who was martyred due to Veerappan’s treachery, and remembered the bravery of Zonal Forest Officer Arvind Hegde, who fell victim to the atrocities of loggers in Sirsi.
Forest Martyrs’ Day, he said, has been observed for 49 years in memory of the officers and staff of the forest department who have dedicated their lives to protecting forest wealth and wildlife, bravely fighting against smugglers, loggers, and poachers, and sacrificing their lives for the nation.
Deputy Zonal Forest Officer Aishwarya R. Gowdara narrated the programme.
