Hyderabad, Sept. 11 -- On the occasion of Forest Martyrs' Day, Environment and Forests Minister, Konda Surekha paid homage to 22 forest officers of Telangana who laid down their lives protecting forests and wildlife since 1984.
The commemoration was held at Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad, today.
The Minister drew inspiration from the historic sacrifice of the Bishnoi community in Khejarli, Rajasthan, where 360 people died in 1730 defending trees. Praising the courage of Telangana's forest staff, she announced that she would recommend to the Chief Minister to extend benefits for families of forest martyrs on par with police martyrs, including educational support for their children.
She also called for reviving State Awards for distingui...