Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Telangana Forests Face Smuggling, Encroachment and Staff Attacks
Telangana’s forests are facing many illegal activities.
These include cutting and moving timber, taking over forest land, and attacks on forest workers.
The department recorded more than 140,000 forest offence cases between 2014 and 2026, not counting wildlife-poaching cases.
Many of the cases involved timber smuggling.
The department is considering money for weapons and ammunition to help some workers protect themselves.
Between 2018 and 2026, 60 forest staff members were injured in assaults and two died.
Forest Martyrs’ Day remembers forest workers who died while doing their jobs.
It also recalls 363 Bishnoi villagers who died protecting trees in 1730.
Telangana recorded more than 140,000 forest offence cases from 2014 to 2026, excluding wildlife-poaching cases.
The cases included 106,685 identified timber-smuggling cases and 11,824 forest-encroachment cases.
Timber cases involved goods valued at Rs 55.99 crore and Rs 160.75 crore in collected compounding fees.
The department is considering a Rs 4.095-crore proposal to provide arms and ammunition to selected frontline staff.
From 2018 to 2026, 50 assaults injured 60 forest staff members, two of whom died.
- Who
- The Telangana Forest Department, its frontline staff and officers, and people involved in timber smuggling or forest encroachment.
- What
- The department reported extensive forest offences and staff attacks while proposing stronger security measures.
- When
- The reported offences cover 2014 to 2026; staff assaults cover 2018 to 2026; Forest Martyrs’ Day is observed on September 11.
- Where
- Telangana’s forests; the historical Khejarli sacrifice occurred in Khejarli.
- Why
- The department says stronger security, legal support, safety measures and operational resources are needed to address encroachment, smuggling, wildlife poaching and threats to staff.
- Reported forest offences
- More than 140,000 cases from 2014 to 2026, excluding wildlife-poaching cases.
- Identified timber cases
- 106,685 cases, involving timber valued at Rs 55.99 crore.
- Unidentified timber cases
- 31,523 cases, involving timber valued at Rs 70.72 crore.
- Encroachment cases
- 11,824 cases were recorded.
- Compounding fees
- Rs 160.75 crore was collected.
- Vehicles seized
- 19,482 vehicles were seized in timber-related cases.
- Security proposal
- A Rs 4.095-crore proposal for arms and ammunition is under government consideration.
- Staff casualties
- Fifty assaults injured 60 staff members between 2018 and 2026; two died.