Telangana's last cane forest shrinks drastically to 5 acres

A unique cane forest in Telangana, located at Palampet village in Mulugu district, is facing severe threats from land encroachments. Originally 51 acres, it has shrunk to just 5 acres despite being protected since 1974. The area has seen increased land prices following the UNESCO designation of the nearby Ramappa temple as a World Heritage Site in 2021. Dr. Sateesh Suthari, a senior botanist, has expressed concerns about the forest's ecological significance. He has written to forest authorities, urging immediate action to safeguard the remaining canebrake. The cane species, known locally as 'chapa barige teega,' is valued for its use in crafting and its medicinal properties. The forest once supported various species and was recognized as a cane reserve by the Andhra Pradesh State Biodiversity Board. However, ongoing agricultural activities and encroachments have led to its degradation. Despite attempts in 2014 by forest officials to reclaim the land, these efforts have been largely ineffective. Dr. Suthari has suggested several protective measures, including fencing the remaining area and boosting public awareness about its importance. He also advocates linking conservation efforts to local initiatives like the ‘Swachadanam-Pachadanam’ program, which supports the Green Telangana movement. A recent visit by faculty and students from the Ananthalakshmi Government Ayurveda College highlighted the forest's rich biodiversity, which includes around 125 medicinal plant species used in traditional healing. They agree on the urgency of conservation, especially as interest in Ayurveda grows globally. Dr. Suthari has called on government officials, including Konda Surekha, the Minister for Environment and Forests, to take action before the canebrake is lost entirely. The need for strong protective actions has become more pressing with increasing tourism pressure in the area.