51 acres of Telangana’s last cane forest in Mulugu reduced to 5 acres

Concerns raised over encroachment of Telangana's last cane patch in Mulugu. Senior botanist said its protection from encroachment is crucial for biodiversity, medicinal resources, and ecological conservation efforts.

The only surviving cane (Calamus Rotang) patchin Telangana, located at Palampet village of Venkatapur Mandal, Mulugu district, is under severe threat due to alleged encroachments, despite being declared a protected area in 1974.

The once-thriving 51-acre cane forest, known for its biodiversity and ecological significance, has been reduced to a mere five acres due to illegal occupation by local farmers and others due to a surge in the land prices, particularly after the Ramappa (Rudreshwara) temple declared as the world heritage site by the UNESCO in 2021.

In a recent letter addressed to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF), R.M. Dobriyal, a senior botanist from Vaagdevi Degree & PG College, Hanumakonda, Dr. Sateesh Suthari - who has been striving to protect habitat - has urged authorities to take immediate measures to protect the canebrake. Dr. Sateesh emphasised the critical ecological role of the cane forest.

The cane available here is one of the superior quality rattans. Locally known as ‘chapa barige teega’, cane serves not only as a primary material for crafting baskets and furniture, but also boasts medicinal properties, making it a valuable resource.

The canebrake, once a significant habitat supporting various species, was notified as a cane reserve by the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh State Biodiversity Board. Over the decades, however, encroachments and agricultural activities have led to its degradation. Despite efforts by forest officials to reclaim the land in 2014, including a Global Positioning System (GPS) survey and trenching to mark the boundaries, encroachments have continued unchecked, Mr. Sateesh said.

He also pointed out that despite repeated representations to the Forest Department since 2008, the lower-level forest officials allegedly colluded with encroachers, exacerbating the destruction of the site. He urged the government to establish fencing around the remaining canebrake, introduce afforestation measures, and create awareness among the local populace about its ecological importance. He also suggested integrating conservation efforts with the ‘Swachadanam-Pachadanam’ initiative to promote the Green Telangana movement.

Recently, Mr. Sateesh along with faculty and students from Ananthalakshmi Government Ayurveda College, Warangal, visited the canebrake area to assess its condition and research potential. Dr. Anisetty Sridhar, associate professor at the Ayurveda College, emphasized the significance of the site, noting that it is home to approximately 125 species of medicinal plants used in Ayurveda for treating various ailments. He stressed the need for urgent conservation measures, given the increasing global recognition of Ayurveda and the importance of protecting endangered medicinal flora. The visiting research team included Ayurveda research scholars Nikitha, Krishna Sai, Akash, Suma, and others.