Did Pawan Kalyan Just Order a Probe into Forest Land Encroachment by a Former Minister?
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Synopsis
In a bold move, Andhra Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister, Pawan Kalyan, has launched a thorough investigation into the alleged illegal occupation of 76.74 acres of forest land by former minister Peddireddy Ramchandra Reddy. This decision highlights the government's commitment to protecting precious forest resources and ensuring accountability for land encroachment.
Key Takeaways
- Pawan Kalyan has ordered an investigation into forest land encroachment.
- 76.74 acres of land is allegedly occupied by Peddireddy Ramchandra Reddy.
- Legal actions will be taken against all encroachers.
- The government aims for transparency in land records.
- Forest lands are declared as national assets.
Amaravati, Nov 13 (NationPress) The Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan, has initiated a thorough investigation into the purported encroachment of 76.74 acres of forest land located in the eastern ghats by the former minister and leader of the YSR Congress Party, Peddireddy Ramchandra Reddy.
Holding the portfolios for environment and forests, Pawan Kalyan has instructed officials to publicly disclose the names of all individuals involved in encroaching on forest land via the department's website and to pursue stringent legal actions against these encroachers without exception.
This directive was issued following an aerial survey of the forest.
The Deputy Chief Minister's office noted that the aerial survey "uncovered" 76.74 acres of unlawful encroachment within the protected Mangalam Peta forest region in the eastern ghats, associated with Ramachandra Reddy.
Pawan Kalyan personally visited the site to assess the violations and briefed Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and other cabinet ministers.
He urged officials to list the names of all forest land encroachers on the department's website, detailing the extent of encroachment and the status of cases against each individual, ensuring strict legal repercussions for anyone unlawfully occupying forest land.
Additionally, the Deputy CM instructed officials to examine inconsistencies in land records, including inflated Webland entries and fraudulent claims of "ancestral land" within protected forest zones.
He emphasized the necessity for actions based on vigilance reports and guidance from legal experts, and called for the digitization of all land records to prevent manipulation and enhance transparency.
"Forest lands are national treasures. Those who encroach upon, misuse, or violate forest laws, regardless of their identity, will face accountability. The government will not endure the illegal occupation of protected forest areas or wildlife zones," a statement from the Deputy CM's office asserted.
A video of Pawan Kalyan's aerial survey, along with a map depicting the extent of the forest enclosure, was shared. Previously, 32.63 acres had been occupied and subsequently vacated. He was seen documenting the forest enclosure and the structures erected upon it.
Earlier this year, Ramachandra Reddy dismissed allegations from a newspaper and a television channel regarding his encroachment of forest land.
He characterized it as an "orchestrated negative campaign" by media organizations aligned with the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP), challenging them to substantiate their claims.
He asserted that the 75 acres of land in question had been purchased in 2001.
According to him, the Director of Settlements had declared in 1981 that the area in question was not forest land.
The former minister also claimed that the road accessing his estate, although situated within the forest, had been constructed with the approval of the Central government.
Ramachandra Reddy mentioned that previous Chief Ministers N. Kiran Kumar Reddy and Chandrababu Naidu had previously ordered investigations into the same matter but failed to establish any incriminating evidence.
A case initiated in the High Court by a TDP leader was also dismissed as the same property had been classified as private land in the forest gazette of 1968, according to the YSRCP leader.
Point of View
The actions taken by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan are commendable. They reflect a strong commitment to preserving environmental integrity and holding former officials accountable for their actions. The government's stance against forest land encroachment serves as a vital reminder of the importance of transparency and due diligence in managing natural resources.
NationPress
14/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What initiated the investigation into forest land encroachment?
The investigation was initiated by Pawan Kalyan after an aerial survey revealed illegal encroachment of 76.74 acres of forest land in the eastern ghats.
Who is accused of the forest land encroachment?
Former minister Peddireddy Ramchandra Reddy is accused of illegally occupying the forest land.
What actions did Pawan Kalyan order?
Pawan Kalyan ordered the disclosure of encroachers' names on the department website and mandated strict legal actions against them.
What is the significance of the forest land in question?
The forest land is classified as protected and is considered a national asset, highlighting the importance of preserving such areas.
What has been Ramachandra Reddy's response to the allegations?
Ramachandra Reddy has denied the allegations, calling them a negative campaign by media organizations and asserting that the land is private property.
