The Hindu : Karnataka News : Forest Martyrs’ Day observed

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Nov 11, 2007
ePaper

Karnataka

Karnataka

Forest Martyrs’ Day observed

Staff Correspondent

Chamarajanagar: The Conservator of Forest, Chamarajangar Forest circle, Nagaraj, today eulogised the sacrifice of forest officials, who had laid down their lives while serving the nation on the occasion of Forest Martyrs’ Day.

He was speaking after laying a wreath at the martyrs’ monument at the forest nursery. He said it is because of the service of forest officials that the menace from outside and inside the forest is eliminated successfully. He called upon the forest personnel to protect the forests and its resources from anti-social elements. He remembered the service of Deputy Conservator of Forest, late P. Srinivas, who was beheaded by the dreaded poacher and forest brigand Veerappan on November 10, 1991.

He also remembered the service of police officials who laid down their lives for the nation. Speaking on the occasion, the DCF for wildlife division, Chamarajanagar, Raju, said unemployment and other social problems have become a menace to the Forest Department. He said forest personnel were successful in combating criminals of the forest.

Follow ideals

He added that nearly 150 forest and police officials had laid down their lives and he called upon his personnel to follow the ideals and duty of the Martyrs.

He listed out 36 names of forest martyrs from August 13, 1966 to March 14, 2006. Mr. Raju said that every year, November 10 is being observed as Forest Martyrs’ Day after the day Veerappan beheaded Mr. Srinivas at Erakayam halla in Gopinatham forest limits.

In 1992, the Government had decided to observe the day throughout the State. ACF Nagaraj, forest personnel and the public laid a wreath at the memorial. Two minutes silence was observed by them to mark the occasion.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka