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

The only surviving cane 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 temple declared as the world heritage site by the UNESCO in 2021. Home to 125 species of medicinal plants 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. Measures pitched Mr. Sateesh reiterated the need for strong protective measures, including fencing the 51-acre area and designating it as a “conservation reserve zone.” He also proposed developing ecotourism initiatives such as a Canopy Walk to promote awareness and protection of the canebrake. “The letter has been submitted to Konda Surekha, the Minister for Environment and Forests; the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, and the Telangana Biodiversity Board’s Secretary, urging them to intervene before the last remnants of the canebrake vanish completely,” Mr. Sateesh added.