Mangalagiri: Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Environment and Forests, Pawan Kalyan, has directed state forest department officials to take firm action against poachers and wildlife smugglers. This directive follows a recent incident where forest department employees were attacked while apprehending a gang smuggling pangolins in the Vijayapuri South Range forest area.
During an inquiry on Tuesday morning, Mr. Kalyan emphasized the importance of strict legal action against those harming wildlife and forest resources, engaging in illegal transportation, or attacking forest personnel. Recalling his school days in Ongole, he noted an incident where a pangolin was killed, highlighting the ongoing issue of wildlife crimes.
The Deputy Chief Minister discussed the attack with the Palnadu District Collector and SP, urging immediate and appropriate action against the perpetrators. He also stressed the need to educate local communities about forest and wildlife protection laws.
Mr. Kalyan reiterated his commitment to wildlife conservation, as stated during the Global Tiger Day event at Aranya Bhavan on Monday. He called for increased awareness and vigilance to protect the state’s wildlife and forest resources.
