The Telangana government has taken a significant step towards environmental conservation by issuing orders to notify the proposed Sardarnagar Reserve Forest in Mankhal village of Shamshabad division, Rangareddy district. The notification, issued through GO Ms No. 21 on July 1, covers an area of 280.09 acres spread across Survey Numbers 103 to 120. According to officials, the land was originally assigned in 1977 by the then Rangareddy District Collector to the Social Forestry Department for plantation development and other forestry-related activities. The move marks the revival of a long-pending proposal aimed at granting legal protection to ecologically valuable government land.
Following the merger of the Social Forestry and Territorial Wings of the Forest Department, authorities had initiated efforts to declare the area as a Reserve Forest. However, due to administrative hurdles, legal challenges, and prolonged litigation, the proposal remained unresolved for nearly 25 years. Recognising the ecological importance of preserving the forest area and preventing potential encroachments, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr. C. Suvarna directed officials to revive and expedite the process. Subsequently, the Forest Department conducted a comprehensive review that included a fresh DGPS survey, preparation of updated maps, compilation and verification of historical records, and completion of all necessary procedural requirements.
Officials stated that the Revenue, Law, and Forest Departments provided the required statutory clearances before the government issued the Section 4 notification. This notification represents a crucial milestone in the formal process of constituting the land as a Reserve Forest under the relevant forest laws. Until the final declaration under Section 15 is completed, the notified land will continue to receive legal protection, safeguarding it from encroachment and unauthorized activities. Forest officials have described the development as a major achievement in conserving valuable government forest land and ensuring its protection for future generations while reinforcing Telangana’s commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable forest management.
