Telangana's Last Cane Forest Shrinks from 51 to 5 Acres Due to Encroachments
The last surviving cane forest in Telangana, located near Palampet village in Venkatapur Mandal of Mulugu district, is facing severe threats due to illegal encroachments, despite its status as a protected area since 1974. This once-thriving 51-acre forest, home to the Calamus Rotang species, renowned for its biodiversity and ecological importance, has been reduced to a mere 5 acres.
The drastic reduction in forest cover is attributed to illegal occupation by local farmers and others, driven by a surge in land prices. This surge has been particularly prominent since the Ramappa (Rudreshwara) Temple in the region was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021, further escalating the demand for land in the area.
Impact of Encroachments on Telangana's Cane Forest
The Palampet cane forest, which once boasted a rich ecosystem and contributed significantly to the region's environmental health, is now under severe threat. The once-vibrant forest, home to diverse flora and fauna, has been continuously encroached upon, diminishing its size and potentially leading to long-term ecological damage.
Land Prices and Its Impact
The listing of Ramappa Temple as a World Heritage site by UNESCO has had a cascading effect on the surrounding areas. The recognition has significantly boosted land demand, leading to skyrocketing prices, which has fueled encroachments. Despite the area being protected, this escalation in land prices has made it financially attractive for illegal settlers, further reducing the size of the cane forest.
Need for Immediate Action
The reduction of the cane forest highlights the urgent need for more robust protection measures. It also underscores the growing need for effective enforcement of environmental laws and better regulation of land use around ecologically sensitive areas. Preserving such rare ecosystems is crucial not only for biodiversity conservation but also for maintaining the region's environmental balance.
