The Tadwai forests, known for their rich biodiversity and as a significant part of the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, have been severely impacted. Species such as teak, bamboo, rosewood, and sandalwood have suffered extensive damage.
In a catastrophic event, over 50,000 giant trees of various species were uprooted in less than an hour, clearing a dense patch of the Tadwai forests. Local tribal communities attributed the devastation to a tornado-like event that swept across the forest, affecting an area spanning over 500 acres.
The Tadwai forests, known for their rich biodiversity and as a significant part of the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, have been severely impacted. Species such as teak, bamboo, rosewood, and sandalwood have suffered extensive damage. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), R M Dobriyal, and his team visited the site as part of a stock-taking mission. Dobriyal, who has served in the Indian Forest Service for over three and a half decades, expressed his shock at the scale of the devastation, noting that this is the first incident of its kind in his career. “This is beyond comprehension,” Dobriyal stated. “The impact on the flora and fauna of this pristine forest is immense.”
The devastation in the Tadwai forest area of Telangana has been quite severe. Over 100,000 trees were reportedly uprooted due to tornado-like conditions during recent rains, affecting more than 500 acres of forest. This is the first time such extensive damage has occurred in this region. In response, local authorities, including Telangana minister Seetakka, have initiated an inquiry and are preparing a detailed report on the damage. The focus now is on assessing the full extent of the devastation and planning for reforestation efforts. The minister has also urged the central government to release special funds to support the replanting of trees in the affected areas.
The forest officials are planning for a detailed assessment of the damage using drone technology and other methods. Plans for planting new trees to replace those lost, with a focus on native species to restore the ecosystem in on cards. Securing financial support from both state and central governments is the priority while efforts are on for engaging local communities in the reforestation efforts to ensure sustainable management. It’s a challenging situation, but with coordinated efforts, the forest can be restored, said the officials.
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