46 acres of Telangana’s last cane forest in Mulugu encroached; only 5 acres remaining

Cane forest near Palampet village of Venkatapur of Mandal of Mulugu district.
| Photo Credit: By Arrangement

The only surviving cane (Calamus Rotang) 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 (Rudreshwara) temple declared as the world heritage site by the UNESCO in 2021.

Senior botanist strives to protect the habitat

In a recent letter addressed to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF), R.M. Dobriyal, a senior botanist from Vaagdevi Degree & PG College, Hanumakonda, Dr. Sateesh Suthari – who has been striving to protect habitat – has urged authorities to take immediate measures to protect the canebrake. Dr. Sateesh emphasised the critical ecological role of the cane forest.

Superior quality rattans available

The cane available here is one of the superior quality rattans. Locally known as ‘chapa barige teega’, cane serves not only as a primary material for crafting baskets and furniture, but also boasts medicinal properties, making it a valuable resource.

Cane forest at Palampet village of Mulugu district.
| Photo Credit:
By Arrangement

The canebrake, once a significant habitat supporting various species, was notified as a cane reserve by the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh State Biodiversity Board. Over the decades, however, encroachments and agricultural activities have led to its degradation. Despite efforts by forest officials to reclaim the land in 2014, including a Global Positioning System (GPS) survey and trenching to mark the boundaries, encroachments have continued unchecked, Mr. Sateesh said.

He also pointed out that despite repeated representations to the Forest Department since 2008, the lower-level forest officials allegedly colluded with encroachers, exacerbating the destruction of the site. He urged the government to establish fencing around the remaining canebrake, introduce afforestation measures, and create awareness among the local populace about its ecological importance. He also suggested integrating conservation efforts with the ‘Swachadanam-Pachadanam’ initiative to promote the Green Telangana movement.

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. Dr. Anisetty Sridhar, associate professor at the Ayurveda College, emphasized the significance of the site, noting that it is home to approximately 125 species of medicinal plants used in Ayurveda for treating various ailments. He stressed the need for urgent conservation measures, given the increasing global recognition of Ayurveda and the importance of protecting endangered medicinal flora. The visiting research team included Ayurveda research scholars Nikitha, Krishna Sai, Akash, Suma, and others.

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 issue gains prominence with the UNESCO recognition of the Ramappa Temple, located near the canebrake, as a World Heritage Site. Environmentalists and conservationists argue that preserving the region’s ecological integrity is crucial for sustainable tourism and cultural heritage.

Sateesh Sutari, a senior botanist.
| Photo Credit:
By Arrangement

“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.