Conservation of existing forests only suitable solution for environmental protection: RM Dobriyal

HYDERABAD: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HOFF) RM Dobriyal has said that the changing weather conditions around the world have become a threat to environmental protection and conservation of the existing forests is the only suitable solution.

At a State-level programme organised by the Forest College and Research Institute(FCRI), Hyderabad at Mulugu, marking the International Tigers Day celebrations on Saturday, Dobriyal unveiled a brochure of the newly launched M.Sc (Wild Life) in FCRI. “The protection of tigers is the key to save the forests. If we protect tigers, they will protect the forests and thus the people. Everyone should understand this and make others aware,” Dobriyal said.

Dobriyal said that the programs undertaken across the country through the Project Tiger program had contributed to the increase in the number of tigers, and currently there were as many as 3,167 tigers in the country. Highlighting the initiatives being taken by the Telangana Government, he said that due to conservation measures taken in Amrabad and Qawwal Tiger Reserves, the number of tigers had increased and more tiger habitats would be developed in the coming days.

Efforts were being made to prevent conflict between animals and humans in the vicinity of forest-affected villages. The evacuation process of the villages in the core areas had been undertaken to reduce the disturbance in the tiger habitats, Dobriyal said. “It is a good sign to celebrate the State level Tiger Day celebrations in FCRI, which is producing future environmentalists as per the aspirations of Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao. The programme will help the students pursuing forestry,” said FCRI Dean Priyanka Varghese.

Field Directors, Vinod Kumar and Khshitijalu gave a presentation on the development and progress of Amrabad and Qawwal Tiger Reserves. A photo exhibition on the measures taken by the forest department for the protection of tigers evoked a good response from the students and visitors. On behalf of Hyderabad Tiger Conservation Society, Imran Siddiqui explained the work they were doing for tiger conservation.

About 400 people including forest officials, employees, trainees from FCRI, Forest Academy (Doolapalli) took part in the Tiger Day celebrations. Later, Dobriyal gave away certificates and prizes to the students and employees who participated in various competitions in the ‘Tiger Theme’.