Forest department seeks weapons and forest police station in Adilabad

Forest officials in Adilabad have sought government approval for weapons and a forest police station at Sirichelma, citing repeated attacks by smugglers. They warned of rising threats, demoralisation, and alleged political support for smugglers disrupting forest protection efforts.

Adilabad: Alarmed by the recent assault and stone-pelting incident targeting policemen during a plantation drive, Forest Department officials have urged the government to enhance their self-protection mechanisms and strengthen forest policing infrastructure.

In letters submitted to the government, forest officials requested permission to carry weapons for self-defence and reiterated their long-pending demand for the establishment of a forest police station at Sirichelma village in Echoda mandal, a region known for illegal timber smuggling and attacks on personnel.

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Officials noted that proposals to arm forest officers have been pending for several years despite repeated incidents of violence, including the killing of Forest Range Officer-level staff by smugglers in the past.

“The threat from teak smugglers is growing. Higher officials require weapons while patrolling forest areas like Echoda,” they explained.

The proposed forest police station at Sirichelma would be aimed at protecting frontline staff such as Forest Beat Officers, who often patrol the forests alone and remain vulnerable to attacks. The station, if approved, would house ten armed personnel and would function similarly to forest police stations already operational in Kerala, Assam and West Bengal.

Forest officials said the Vigilance and Enforcement wing of the department is examining the matter. The Forest Department Staff Association has also written to the government, demanding urgent security measures in light of growing threats.

Citing regular violent incidents against forest and police personnel in the district, the officials said these attacks have become demoralising.

“Improving security will help boost morale. Otherwise, poor protection will leave staff exposed and at risk,” an official said.

Forest officers also alleged that teak and sand smugglers in Echoda are increasingly taking law into their own hands, with certain political leaders instigating them to disrupt law and order.