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May 2011 VANA PREMI

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MAY - 2011Vol .12 No. 5

JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED FOREST OFFICERSANDHRA PRADESH

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May 2011 VANA PREMI

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1. President : Ex-Officio President of Assn.2. Editor : Qamar Mohd. Khan

Tel : 40121132, 9849233624e-mail : [email protected]

3. Associate Editor : Sardar Navratan Singh,

: Tel : 233405854. Member : A.H. Qureshi, IFS (Retd.)5. Convenor : Ex-officio Secy.of Assn

VANA PREMI

Vol : 12 No. 5May 2011

Editor : Qamar Mohd. Khan Associate Editor : Sardar Navratan SinghThe Association of Retired Forest Officers,

Andhra Pradesh(Regd. No. 557/1990)President : Sri. S.D. Mukherji, I.F.S. (Retd.)

Tel : 23551065, 9885236493Vice President : Sri. Krishna Bhoopal Rao, I.F.S. (Retd.)

Tel : 23743774, 9866307808Secretary : Sri K. Santokh Singh, I.F.S. (Retd.)

Tel : 27962929, 9848808101Jt. Secretary : Sri. P. Upender Reddy, Dy. C.F.(Retd.)Cum Treasurer Tel. 23342582, 9848754778

Editoriral Board

Contents

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Excutive committee members1. Sri C. Subba Rao, I.F.S. (Retd.), 9848018796

2. Sri T. Rama Krishna, I.F.S. (Retd.), 9849180078

3. Sri M. Padmanabha Reddy, I.F.S. (Retd.), 9849269105

4. Sri J.V. Subba Rao, 9848486146

5. Sri A. V. Govinda Rajulu, 9440764611

Totla pages 44

1. Condolence Message 22. Editorial ..................... QMK 33. Letters to Editor

........................................Surinder Kumar Bali 5

............................... ............... P.S. Reddy 5............................................. Dr. Maslekar 5

4. Reorganization of Forest Department Some Observationsof the Past Systems............................. K.K. Nair 6

5. Lure of the Himalayas -IIVisit toUttarkashi Region-Yamunotriand Gangotri.............M. Kamal Naidu 7

6. Saxena Committee : Implementationof Forest Rights Act ; Agenciesthat Matter (Part - II)..........................J.V. Sharma 14

7. Call of the Chola Country..................................Navratan Singh 22

8. Seizure an Oil Tanker........................ V. Santhaseela Babu 29

9. Roll of Honour .......... K.B.R. 3310. Money is yours but resources

belong to the society 3411. THE “RELEVANCE OF GANDHISM”

IN THE 21st CENTURY..........................V.V. Hari Prasad 35

12. News and Notes ....... 3913. Birthday Greetings ... S.K. 4014. Legal Notes ............... K.B.R. 4115. Obituary (T. Rama Krishna) 44

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CONDOLENCE MESSAGEIt was shocking news to hear thatSri T. Ramakrishna, IFS (Retd.), has left forheavenly abode on the evening of 11.4.2011. Acondolence meeting was held in the O/o ThePrincipal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF)at Aranya Bhavan on 13.4.2011 presided overby Sri C. Madhukar Raj, IFS, Prl. ChiefConservator of Forests (HoFF). All the officersand staff working in Aranya Bhavan attendedthe meeting. Prl. Chief Conservator of Forests(HoFF) remembered the services rendered by lateSri T. Ramakrishna,IFS (Retd.) to the ForestDepartment particularly his contribution to theWildlife Wing and development of NehruZoological park, Hyderabad, which has becomea model Zoo park in the Country. As a mark ofrespect to the departed soul, two minutessilence was observed.

May God give strength to his wife and childrento bear this loss.

Sd/-P.S.Rao Addl.Prl.Chief Conservator of Forests(Admn.)

O/o Prl.Chief Conservator of Forests(HoFF) AndhraPradesh, Hyderabad.

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Our population: - India’s population was

31, 60, 04, 000 in early forties when the present

day Pakistan and Bangladesh were parts of the

country. The total geographical area of our

country before partition was 42, 27,358 Square

Kilometers. The land area was optimal to

accommodate the population comfortably and

its distribution was more or less even. There

were enough natural resources to meet the

needs of the country. It was this scenario which

prompted Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the

Nation to comment “There is every thing for

man’s need but not for his greed”. Though the

poverty, illiteracy and backwardness were very

much evident, the Mahatma saw a bright future

for the country considering it as a land of plenty.

Much water flowed down the rivers of India since

then. The country is divided at the time of

Independence. Gandhiji’s dreams started

shattering one by one. The simplicity which was

the hallmark of Gandhiji’s philosophy became

the first casualty. Self discipline in conduct and

values in public life became rare commodities.

Now India is the seventh largest country in the

world in size, with a total geographical area of

3,287,263 square kilometers. But the population

of our country was steadily increasing. Every year,

India adds to world population more people than

any other nation. In fact the population of some

of our states is much higher than the total

EDITORIALpopulation of many countries. For example,

Population of Uttar Pradesh almost equals to the

population of Brazil. India is projected to

overtake China as the world's most populous

country by 2025. India's population growth has

given rise to serious concerns of widespread

unemployment, social conflicts and political

instability. The population projections up to

2050 are:

2020: 1,326,093,000

2030: 1,460,743,000

2040: 1,571,715,000

2050: 1,656,554,000

India’s population as per 2011 census is

1,210,000,000, more than a sixth of the world's

population.and it is the second largest

populated country next only to China whose

population is 1,330,044,605 (as of mid-2008).

India is projected to be the world's most

populous country by 2025, surpassing China.

India occupies 2.4% of the world's land area but

supports over 17.5% of the world's population.

India has more arable land area than any country

except the United States, and more water area

than any country except Canada and the United

States. Indian life revolves mostly around

agriculture and allied activities in small villages,

where the overwhelming majority of Indians

live. As per the 2001 census, 72.2% of the

population lives in about 638,000 villages and

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the remaining 27.8% lives in more than 5,100

towns and over 380 urban agglomerations. In last

60 years the Indian population has grown from

316004,000 to 1,210,000,000, almost four times,

and if the population of other two parts of pre-

Independence era is also taken into account the

increase will be 6 times. Though the population

of our country had increased abnormally, the land

area remained the same and the natural

resources have dwindled down drastically

attributable mainly to man’s greed.

If we take the increase of the population into

account the available natural resources will not

be sufficient to meet even for our own needs. As

foresters we know very well that every area will

have its carrying capacity and if the population

of human beings exceeds the carrying capacity

of the area, it may give rise to several

disturbances not excluding earth quakes,

tsunamis, droughts, floods diseases and other

natural calamities. Recent calamity in Japan is a

case in point.

APPEALAll the members are requested to furnish their addresses, Mobile &Landline Phone Numbers and e-mail IDs urgently by post/sms/ ore-mail to P.Upender Reddy on the following addressP.Upender Reddy, 2/B, P.S.Nagar Colony, Vijay Nagar Colony,Hyderabad-500 057. Mobile Number... 9848754778.e-mail Id. [email protected]

There is an urgent need for us to educate our

masses about the perils of over-population. It

is also essential for us to change our mindset

on family welfare and devise ways to control

population. Population is no longer an

individual’s domain. It has assumed the status

of “challenge” to Nation. We must be prepared

to think of even punitive action in case of

violation of guidelines in this regard. Population

explosion cannot be taken lightly in the name

of populism and firm action is the need of the

hour. It is high time to shift away from the slogan

“Hum do, hamare do” to adopt a new

slogan“Hum do, hamara ek”. We need at least to

stabilize our population urgently even if we

cannot reduce it immediately. If we fail to

achieve this, we may have to pay very price..

Our Governments should offer good incentives

providing free education, subsidized food,

clothing, and housing for all those parents who

follow "Hum Do Hamara Ek".

-QMK

Secretary

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1. To, The Editor, Vana PremiSir,My Salutations! I was happy to go through your latest electronic issue of Vana Premi. Apart from otherarticles such as comments on Forest Bill one interesting article by my batch mate Sri. Kamal Naidu on hisvisit to Himalayas made quite an interesting reading which I also made it on my own few years back. I amhappy to note that you are keeping your means of communications alive amongst the retired forestofficers. We too in Maharashtra had started, perhaps earlier than your magazine, but unfortunately ithad to close down for some reasons. May I wish you all a very happy reading in years to come. My goodwishes to all the members of the esteemed magazine Vana Premi.With regards,

SURINDER KUMAR BALI

2. Sir,Veteran forest officer Mr. Mukherji's article "Visit to Gir National park” is very interesting, which hasinvoked my memory to retrieve the 33 year old visit to the same park along with the 1st.batch of P.G.diploma in wildlife management course(1977-78)F.R.I. Dehradun. Whereas our visit was in a minibusconsisting of (11) trainees and one Director, was piloted by a park jeep. On reaching the lion's restingplace a rope was tied to the two trees about 10 meters apart. Uniformed F.G. with a gun was standing atone end and we were asked not to cross the rope and take snaps etc. as the entire pride of lions on theother side of the rope comprising 3 generations similar to Hindu joint-family were giving us pose. Theywere more than a dozen in no and were gazing us as if the authorities have asked them to receive thevisitors.

While returning we were curios to know the secret of their congregation. In the pilot's jeep a country pigwas hidden as bait which was making distress calls intermittently. It was learned after the departure ofthe visitors the pig was fed to the lions. Such acts in the National parks make the wild animals domesticatedand the thrill of the visitors defeated. It would be synonymous to Zoo's, probably the reason for dwindlingtheir population is due to the in-breeding and artificial feeding habit.

P.S.Reddy.

3. Dear Editor,

Thanks. I received e-mail version of April 11 issue of Vanapremi. But I sincerely miss the feel and touch ofmagazine and freshness of the printing ink emanating there from it,and the wonderful photos oncover.At my age it is also a punishment to read longer texts on my laptop. Have you discontinued Paperversion of the mag? By the way how is my subscription status? Please let me know.Regards, Dr.Maslekar

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

May 2011 VANA PREMI

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The article “The reorganization of Forest

Department is the need of the day” by Sri Suresh

Deshpanday in January Vana Premi has

prompted me, an old timer, to think about some

older aspects and offer some suggestions. Mainly

increase in the higher posts, changing the

structure of staff pattern from a pyramidal nature

to that of an inverted pyramid has not effectively

improved the functioning of the department, in

which field work, is of considerable importance

to manage and protect the forests.

Thinning plantations, check measurement of

roads and building works, fire protection,

boundary inspections, timber extraction,

checking of timber depots, checking illicit

felling, survey of coupes and compartments

were the responsibility of higher officers like

Assistant Conservators attached to heavy

divisions like Nilambur, Wynad, South

Coimbatore, Salem, Madurai, Nellore etc.

In olden days, to ensure inspections of field

operations were assured by stipulating, that

officers should tour for fifteen days a month, halts

should exceed marches etc. Over the years such

regulations are not implemented, adversely

affecting the quality of field operations. To make

sure that office work did not suffer, files used to

be sent from officers headquarters to camps

through a peon or watcher in “Combino Box

REORGANIZATION OF FOREST DEPARTMENT

SOME OBSERVATIONS OF THE PAST SYSTEMS

ByK.K. Nair

Trays” which could be locked at headquarters and

opened in the camp by having double set of

keys. Generally field work used to be done by

Officers in the fore noon and after some rest, the

files were attended to in the evening, or early

nights after, dinner using petromax, lanterns or

Syntax table lamps. Since many rest houses and

inspection bungalow did not have electricity.

Next morning the combino box tray used to be

sent back to the office, after dealing with the

files through the peon or watcher who brought

it from head quarters. Thus it was ensured that

both field work and office work did not suffer.

Inspection notes of Conservators and tour

diaries of Divisional Forest Officers had to be sent

to their higher officers promptly which were

reviewed. In early years inspection notes of the

Conservators were printed and formed the basis

for revision of working plans.

There is no doubt that lower categories of field

staff should be increased and provided with

better facilities for work and stay in their

jurisdiction., The recent proposal to arm the staff

in the sanctuaries and areas where poaching or

timber theft are rampant should be suitably

armed, trained and with authority to use these

against marauders.

Contd. on page no. 32

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After having seen the indescribable beauty and

serenity of the Himalayas in May 1964 and ‘65, as

described in the last issue of ‘Vana Premi’ my

thirst for more of the Himalayan glory was

uncontrollable. I therefore planned a trip to the

western sector of the ‘Char Dham’ Gangotri and

Yamnotri at the prompting of my batch-mate

Shri KN Singh, who had been the DFO Uttarkashi,

prior to his posting as DFO Dehra Dun. He had

suggested that if possible I should combine a

trip to Har-ki-dun valley, a remote high altitude

meadow, criss-crossed by glacial streams, and

surrounded by pristine forests and snowy peaks;

and the river Tons of our Chakrata fame emanates

from there. Mention of Tons river takes my

memory go back to the famous Thadiyar March

as part of a foresters first Chakrata tour, where

foresters are shaped into the profession with the

29 km trek up from Katiyan to 9000ft, and down

to Tons bridge at Thadiyar at 3000ft, and back to

our camp at Katiyan at 6000ft. I therefore planned

out the hill trip around Uttarkashi for late August,

with the new batch of only five trainees. In this

trip my family did not join because of my sons

classes, further being closer to Dehra Dun I

thought it could be done again the following

summer.

LURE OF THE HIMALAYAS -II

VISIT TO UTTARKASHI REGION-YAMUNOTRI

AND GANGOTRIBy

M. Kamal Naidu

Day 1: We started of from Dehra Dun in two

ambassador taxis, with our ever-ready father and

son Sardars, ready for all eventualities of rough

and impossible routes. Leaving FRI we went upto

Mussoorie, and proceeded on to the famous

Kempty falls just 15km out. The water of the falls

joins the Yamuna. This is a very popular sight for

all visitors to Mussoorie, and draws large crowd

particular after raining season. The falls was very

impressive, roaring with frightful fury, being in

the midst of the rainy season. We went on

towards Lakhmandal, 75 km away up along the

Yamuna, a lovely journey set among deodar

forests. This place had an ancient temple

complex, featuring interesting statues, and a

‘sikhara’ style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva

built in stone. We proceeded further on towards

Barkot, 220 km from Haridwar, for our first night

stay.

Day 2: Early morning after a heavy breakfast and

a packed lunch we crossed the Yamuna for

Purola, and thence forward to Mori (1130m) on

the Tons river, the chir pine zone, and saw the

Tons rapidly winding its way to the plains. Here

the FRO informed us the interesting legendary

background of the Tons river as being a part of

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the Jaunsar-Bawar region. Interestingly Tons is

said to have originated from the tears of the

demoness Surpanaka, sister of Ravana after

being insulted by Lakshmana of Ramayana. He

further said that it was very interesting the

people of this region between the Tons and

Yamuna worship Duryodhana, who was

considered the villain of the Mahabharata, the

arch enemy of the Pandavas, and that there was

a beautifully carved wooden temple dedicated

to him at a nearby village named Jakhol, to which

we could not make it. He had asked us to see a

temple also dedicated to Karna, an ally of

Duryodhana at Netwar (1400m) on our way to

Sankri via Osla (2560m). He concluded very

philosophically that it was the Hindu dharma to

give safe haven to the downtrodden. He also told

us about the interesting prevalence of polygamy

and polyandry in the matrimonial custom of the

region, relating it to the Pandava legend. This

practice was thus prevalent in Chakrata region,

and so our instructor Mr. Kirpekar warned us to

beware lest we get ensnared into the system

and never return back to Dehra Dun.

We drove beyond Sankri as far as the Sardarji

drivers could take us towards Har-ki-Dun. At the

furthest point possible by the car, the forest

guard of the area decided we start trekking up.

He suggested that we go as far as we can towards

our destination at 3570m. We walked up for

about three hours enjoying the gorgeous,

beautiful scenic surrounds of deodar, spruce and

fir mixed with oaks and rhododendrons and

merging into snowy meadows with wild flowers,

though not so spectacular as the Valley of

Flowers, but it had its own grandeur, and was

mesmerizing. This area is now declared as

Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. At

this stage the forest guard stated that most of

the terrain thereafter would be similar, with the

tree growth gradually stunting and giving way

to the meadow. This was a new experience for

the trainees on their first visit to the snow areas

and the mountains, for they were from Kerala,

Tamilnadu, Andhra, Madhya Pradesh and

Maharastra, all having been trained at SFRC. We

observed and enjoyed the smell of the mountain

air, the surrounding snow capped mountains, the

rivulets meeting to form the Tons. We retraced

back to the vehicles for our late cold packed

lunch, and got back to Barkot for the night.

Day 3: We started a little leisurely from Barkot

having decided to halt at Janki Chatti, about half

way between Hanuman Chatti and Yamunotri.

We traveled up the very difficult winding route

along the Yamunotri to Hanuman Chatti, at the

confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna. This

is where Hanuman was said to have set his foot

after leaving Sri Lanka, before starting on his

search for procuring the medicinal herbs for

Lakshman. There was nothing spectacular at this

place for Hanumanji, to commemorate the

event of his safe landing, probably he landed very

softly, and never left his footprint. I wish he had

left his footprint, for it is said that he had crushed

‘Sani’ or Saturn under his feet, and kept him

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under control. It is for this belief that we are told

not to worship Hanumanji’s feet, probably

fearing the ‘sani’ tries to escape and catch hold

of the person who so worships, and puts him to

the long rigor of a troublesome period. However

greater attachment and remembrance went

here for Surpanaka’s tears having become the

source of river Tons, her gift to the region. I for a

moment wondered why Surpanaka had come

here for shedding her tears, after having been

severely punished by Lakshmana at Paranasala

on the bank of Godavari near Bhadrachallam.

May be to start off the Tons. Probably it was a

question of loyalties. However there is a small,

rather insignificant temple, to commemorate

the place for Hanumanji. We then proceeded on

some distance till the cars could go, and then

footed the 8 km to Janki Chatti for the night halt.

Day 4: Early morning we trekked upto to

Yamunotri walking amidst high ridges, deep

gorges and precipitous cliffs, rocky craggy

glaciers and narrow valleys characteristic of the

area. In this travel starting from Mori, we saw a

high variation in the elevation gradients from

1,800 to 4,500m, which reflected the diverse

biomes, from sub-tropical communities to

alpine meadows, ending up to a rather plain

looking temple of Goddess Yamunotri. There was

not much of forestry, but the scenic grandeur and

the changing vegetation from chir pine at Mori

to deodar, spruce and fir was of special

significance to the trainees, culminating into

meadows at the snowy heights.

Nearing the temple on the right bank of the river,

we visited Markendeya Tirtha, where the sage

Markandeya is believed to have written the

‘Markandeya Purana’.

The Yamuna, the second most sacred river,

rushed down from the frozen glaciers ahead of

the impressive Kalinda Parvat (4430m), on the

south-western slopes of Banderpooch (Monkeys

tail, maybe refers to Hanuman) peaks, in the

Mussoorie range of Lower Himalayas. Yumana is

therefore named here as Kalindi, which forms

the backdrop of ‘Krishna Leela’, which talk about

her water being of the dark blue colour of Lord

Krishna. Yamuna finally merges with the Ganges

at ‘Triveni sangam’ at Allahabad.

In Hindu mythology, according to popular

legends Yamuna is the daughter of Sun God Surya

and his wife Saranyu, and sister of Yama, the God

of Death, and so known as Yami. Bathing in its

sacred waters is said to free one from the

torments of death.

Yamunotri literally means "twins" in sanskrit, as

it runs parallel to the Ganga. Its name is

mentioned at many places in the Rig Veda,

written during the Vedic Period between 1700–

1100 BC, and also in the later ‘Atharvaveda’, and

in the ‘Brahmanas’ including ‘Aitreya Brahmana’

and ‘Shatapartha Brahmana’.

In Rig Veda, the story of the Yamuna describes

her "excessive love" for her twin Yama, who in

turn asks her to find a suitable match for herself,

which she does in Lord Krishna. This tale is

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detailed in the 16th century Sanskrit hymn,

‘Yamunashtakam’, an ode by philosopher

Vallabhacharya, which describes the story of

Yamuna’s descent to meet her beloved Krishna,

to purify the world. This hymn praises her for

being the source of all ‘spiritual abilities’, while

Ganga is considered an epitome of ‘asceticism

and higher knowledge’, and can grant ‘Moksha’

or liberation. It is Yamuna, which being a holder

of infinite love and compassion, and grants

freedom from death, which is in the realm of her

elder brother. Therefore the river Yamuna is

connected to the religious beliefs surrounding

Krishna, and various stories connected with Him

found in Hindu mythology, especially the

‘Puranas’, like that of ‘Kaliya’, a poisonous Naga

snake, which had inhabited the river and

terrorized the people of ‘Braja’. Incidentally in

Mahabharata, Indraprastha, the capital of

Pandava was also situated on the banks of

Yamuna, which is the modern city of Delhi.

At Yamunotri we were told that the place was

considered as the source of the famed

mythological Vedic Saraswati River in the ancient

past, which was ‘the cradle of early Indian

civilizations’. The rivers constituting Saraswati

were collectively known as ‘Sapta Sindhu’ or

seven streams. Saraswati changed its course

following a tectonic upheaval in north India, and

became a tributary of the Ganges. It is believed

that after this upheaval the original Saraswati

river dried up, and so also the many settlements

of the Indus Valley civilization ended, and

resulted in the creation of the present Thar

desert.

Yamunotri temple is dedicated to the goddess

Yamuna, one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism,

and part of the popular Char Dham Yatra. At

Yamunotri, worship is normally done after taking

bath in the warm springs of Jamunabai kund at

the ‘Divya Shila’, a rock pillar near the temple,

before entering the temple for ‘darshan’ of

"Yamunaji". This place did not draw so much of

crowds as Kedarnath and Badrinath, probably

due to inaccessibility, than divinity. Here there

were several hot thermal springs around the

temple, which flow into numerous pools, the

most important being ‘Surya Kund’. The water of

this ‘kund’ is hot enough to cook potatoes and

rice in cloth bundles, which the priests dish out

as a gimmick in the name of ‘prasad’. People also

are rather thrilled and astonished like I was and

accepted the ‘prasad’. Having had the naturally

cooked ‘prasad’, we retreated back to our vehicle

for our journey back feeling divine.

We reached back at Barkot 36 km from

Yamunotri, thence via Dharasu, traveled along

Bhagirathi to Uttarkashi a good 100 km from

Barkot, situated on the bank of Bhagirathi. This

was the head quarters of the DFO who briefed

us on the forests and their management being

replete with alpine, semi alpine, temperate and

sub-tropical vegetation, and vast areas being

under forest cover, and supported an extensive

animal life. He explained about glacial erosion

and landslides being common. These landslides

May 2011 VANA PREMI

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had caused irreversible isolation between forest

patches including the alpine vegetation. We

halted here for the night and visited Lord

Vishwanath temple at the DFO’s suggestion. This

was very significant for a massive iron trident

erected in it.

Day 5: At the suggestion of the DFO we decided

to halt at Gangotri, so as to visit the actual source

of the river at Gaumukh, at least for the sheer

grandeur of the trek passing between lofty snow

peaks, the path being often covered with snow

at several points. He encouraged us stating that

after all we may never again visit the area, and

desired we make the one time attempt, though

it would be strenuous. The trainees were all game

for it, but required me to take the decision to

extend our tour schedule. I was all game, further

being the youngest of the lot with an eagerness

for the Himalayan air. We traveled along the

shrinking Bagirathi, both in size and fury, and

enjoyed the most magnificent view of the

Himalayas, rounding the mighty Mahla (4590m)

we came to Harsil, and reached Gangotri FRH.

The place was not very big, had a small modest

temple built in the 18th century at 3200m, and

is said to be the source of river Bhagirathi. The

surrounds were magnificent amidst the

mountain peaks of Shivling, Satopanth and

Bhagirathi sisters, and the attractive temple

compound had a ‘ghat’ leading into the river. We

did not dare to bathe as some devout pilgrims

do, but just dipped our feet into the freezing

water, and hoped we are adequately purified for

this generation.

We visited the ‘Bhagirathi shila’ a rock on which

Lord Shiva was said to have received the furious

Ganga in his matted locks to minimize the

impact of her fall, and to tame her into docility.

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Ganga

- the daughter of heaven, took the form of a river

to absolve the sins of King Bhagirath's ancestors,

following his severe penance of several

centuries. According to this legend, King Sagar,

grand father of Bhagiratha, after slaying the

demons on earth decided to stage the

‘Ashwamedh Yagya’ as a proclamation of his

supremacy just as Shri Rama did at Ayodhaya

when the horse was detained and challenged

by the young Lava-Kusha at Valmiki Ashram. The

horse which was to be taken on an uninterrupted

journey around the earth was accompanied by

the King's 60,000 sons born to Queen Sumati.

Indra, the supreme ruler of the gods feared that

he might be deprived of his celestial throne if

the 'Yagya' (worship with fire) succeeded, so

persuaded Asmanja, the only son born to the

second queen Kesani to take away the horse, and

tie it in the ashram of Sage Kapila, who was then

in deep meditation. The sons of the King Sagar

searched for the horse, and finally found it tied

near the meditating sage. These angry sons of

King Sagar into stormed into the ashram of sage

Kapil, who opened his eyes in rage on being

disturbed in his meditation and cursed the

60,000 sons to perish. Therefore Bhagirath is

believed to have meditated to bring down

Ganga to cleanse the ashes of his ancestors and

liberate their souls, and grant them salvation or

‘Moksha’.

May 2011 VANA PREMI

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We attended the ‘aarti’ ceremony at Gangotri,

which was very impressive like was the temple,

on the banks of the rushing Bhagirathi, though

very narrow. About 100 meters above the Ganga

Temple, Kedar Ganga which starting from Kedar

Valley met the Bhagirathi. We carried water from

this confluence in our large just then exhausted

whisky bottle to be shared back at home as

‘thirtham’. The river Bhagirathi here at the source,

becomes the Ganga from Devprayag, where it

meets the Alakananda. This temple gets closed

on Diwali day every year and reopens in May.

During this closed time, the idol of the goddess

is shifted and kept at Mukhba village, near Harsil.

Day 6: We set out very early from Gangotri,

trekking, with the forest guard leading us. It was

a tiring climb, but absolute grandeur as assured

by the DFO. It was an experience we did not

regret. The path was flanked by high mountain

ranges, which culminated at the Kedarnath peak

(6970m). Each turn in the mountains left us

anticipating what the mountains withholds, until

we hear the water rushing over rocks, sometimes

as distant trickle, sometimes a heavy surge

nearby. The scene of adventure provided was

unique to these mountains. I had seen the

Kedarnath peak earlier, on the southern side from

Kedarnath, from which arose the Gangotri glacier

on the northern side. Just three of us reached

Gaumukh, which as the FG said was not all that

great, but it was the feeling we got to see where

the Ganga originated. We went a little further

towards Tapovan, from where the FG pointed out

the Kedarnath peak, which was then covered

amidst clouds. We retrieved back from there,

without going further ahead to Tapovan, and still

ahead towards the Gangotri glacier. The guard

told us there was a dense forest near Tapovan,

which surrounds the Bhavishya Badri, up the

Dhauliganga River, a holy spot, where an idol of

Narsingha (the lion headed god) is enshrined. He

stated that there was a traditional belief that a

day would come when the present route to the

Badrinath will be inaccessible, and the Lord

Badrinath would be worshipped here, and that

was the reason why the place is called Bhavishya

Badri, which is about 17 km. east of Joshimath.

This area provided a majestic beauty of

coniferous forests, amidst the grandeur of glacial

world combined with lush green meadows.

The place around, what we trekked through was

the ‘Gangotri National Park’. It is typical of high

altitude ecosystem, with decisive influence from

‘Trans-Himalayan’ bio-diversity system, in both

physical and biological characteristics. The

landscape here is dominated by alpine scrub

and meadows at higher altitudes, with forests of

chirpine, ban oak, kharsu oak, deodar, spruce, fir,

betula and rhododendron ranging from lower

to higher elevation areas. The mountain sides

along the entire route from Gangotri to

Gaumukh are steeper, and are distinctly broken

up by landslides. Here 15 species of mammals

and 150 bird species have been documented,

which include some of the rare and charismatic

species like the snow leopard, black bear, brown

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bear, musk deer, blue sheep or bharal, Himalayan

tahr, Himalayan monal, Koklass, Himalayan

snowcock, Himalayan barbets, etc.

We reached back at evening at the FRH for some

real hot food, plus the emptying of another

whiskey bottle to give us warmth and relaxation,

after the tiring day out in the extreme chillness.

Day 7: We left leisurely and halted at Uttarkashi

175 km from Rudraprayag, to be hosted a nice

dinner by DFO, and to exchange experiences, for

he was a FRO promoted from NFRC. He was very

learned in the local mythological legends, so we

clarified the many interesting episodes on the

cultural aspects of the hills as related by the RO

and FG.

Day 8: Leaving Uttarkashi after early breakfast,

with a whole day to spare with nothing much

enroute to Dehra Dun, we proceeded to

Chaurangi 25km away, and trekked down to

Nachiketa Tal alternating between a strenuous

and gentle climb. The trail goes up forgotten,

lonely ridges, slips down rocky descents with the

atmosphere pumping in the freshest oxygen. We

could never feel tired but were highly

rejuvenated. The path was strewn by small

waterfalls merrily trickling down over hanging

rocks as though sourced directly from the

heaven. The sun did not try too hard to reach us

down beneath the rich foliage rendering the

forest a magical golden green. The trek was

nothing short of a walk through paradise. We

reached Nachiketa Tal which in the shrouding

mist rendered it a mythical dimension. Here we

were told the story went that it was built by

sage Nachiketa whose father after giving away

everything he had to Lord Yama, god of death

was left with his only son Nachiketa. Yama

touched by his great generosity of offering even

his son spared the son, who spent his life here

in meditation. We fortunately had a passing

shower withy gentle falling drops looking like

millions of pearls being strewn over the

600sqm Tal (lake) framed from all sides by the

looming leaning woods. The seclusion of the

place was so wholesome and nature so benign

we understood why Nachiketa decided to stay

put here. There was a small temple here

dedicated to Nag Devata besides its shore. We

then got back on to our trail along the winding

route besides the Bhagirathi, via Dharasu

reached Tehri.

From Tehri, we diverted away from the long

companionship of Bhagirathi, to Chamba

(6500ft), a very serene beautiful resort, sought

after by many who seek an ideal place to relax,

and then proceeding onwards to Dhanaulti, and

reached Mussoori. After spending some time

at Mussoori, we hit for FRI, Dehra Dun, after a

very satisfying trip very late at evening, richer

in our mythology.

May 2011 VANA PREMI

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Note: This is in continuation of an article of similar title by the same author published in February

2011 issue of Vana Premi.

The Revenue Department, managed by the members of elite Indian Administrative Service, by

virtue of its primacy in Indian Scheme of administration and the Tribal Welfare Department, being

the nodal agency mandated in Forest Rights Act, have come to be important players in the

implementation of the Act. It is pertinent to remind that the Saxena Committee did not have many

kind words for Tribal Welfare Department in terms of its status or capability. It is seen more as an

appendage of revenue department, always content to play the second fiddle. The Department

does not rue for its relegated position because it is invariably headed by an IAS officer and does not

have many options to be any thing different. Though the TW department is expected to be in the

driving seat and run the show in implementation of FRA, it depends heavily on Revenue Department

for the oxygen required in so far as its delivery system is concerned. So far as implementation of FRA

is concerned, the Revenue Department runs the show at each level, from village to District level,

with Tribal Welfare Department in tow.

There are two important conclusions one can draw from this scenario. One, the department meant

for the welfare of tribal population does not have the liberty and independence of its own to think

and act on its creative instincts and secondly, perhaps as a natural corollary, it is the bureaucrats

who are totally responsible for fashioning and executing the tribal development schemes. If the

tribals have serious complaints even after 60 years of planning & development, the bureaucracy

has to take the blame. Curiously, the Government have a pathological weakness to bet on the

wrong horses.

I am reminded of a famous anecdote very popular in Delhi circles some years ago. Finding a

bureaucrat representing a premier scientific institution in a high level meeting on scientific research

called by him, the Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi exasperatedly exclaimed; “What are you here for? I

think the scientists know their subject better.” Informed sources say that the clout of the bureaucrats

declined to a large extent in science and technology sectors after this incident. Indiscriminate

deployment of bureaucrats and their proliferation in inconceivable positions had blunted the

SAXENA COMMITTEE: IMPLEMENTATION OF

FOREST RIGHTS ACT; AGENCIES THAT MATTER

(PART – II)By

J V Sharma

May 2011 VANA PREMI

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creative genius of the executive machinery at lower levels.

The most important players in implementation of the FRA viz. the revenue and tribal welfare

departments having been discussed, next comes the real stakeholders. Forest land being the bone

of contention, the claimant and the Forest Department are the natural contending parties to any

claim. By far the most essential stakeholder is the claimant. The law is made to vest forest rights in

him and his relevance as well as his interests is of paramount importance. While the claimant is the

main contender, the other contending party, the Forest Department, by virtue of it being the

custodian of the forest land in question, has the inherent responsibility of safeguarding the trust

placed in its charge. But, for some inexplicable reasons, the scheme of things in FRA did not provide

equal leverage to Forest Department on par with the other contending party i.e. the claimant.

Though Rule 12 (1) of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of

Forest Rights) Rules makes it compulsory to inform the forest department of the visit to site, receiving

evidence etc, the Act itself is silent over this aspect. This can prove to be a glaring omission in the

law.

A reading of the Act and Rules will drive any one to conclude that the forest department’s role in the

implementation of the FRA is more of ceremonial nature than of substantial contribution. The

forest official does not have an assigned role at village level where a claim is initially considered for

recommendation/rejection. His role in SDLC and DLC is at best secondary and prone to bulldozing

by the chairperson and other members. In these days when political interference is very common

even at grass-root level and politicians have compulsive preference for populism instead of good

governance, not many officials will have the spine to stand up and be counted. Forest officials

cannot be any different.

Strangely, there is a persistent disinformation spread by self styled lobbyists that the Forest

Department is the biggest obstacle in the successful implementation of FRA. It is unfortunate that

even Saxena Committee failed to read the situation correctly on this score. It is a case of perception

deficit. Like the claimant’s right to be heard in support of claim over the forest land, the bonafide

custodian of the property at stake should also have equal right to be heard of his version. The

processing fora should have the patience to hear both the contending parties and take an objective

decision. Short circuiting this procedure cannot be anything but a naked travesty of justice.

In fact many impartial observers feel that the Forest Department did not acquit itself creditably in

the implementation of the Act. Their attitude has been passive at best if not rank indifference. Their

performance level in safeguarding the trust in their charge is abysmal. As custodian of the forest

land in question, they should have been in possession of all the information & history in respect of

May 2011 VANA PREMI

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encroachment, encroachers, extent, period, sketch etc which would have facilitated the enquiry

immensely. The department should have prepared the information at least when it became

necessary during the process of verification of claims. They do not need orders from anybody to

survey areas in their custody. They could have verified the claims with satellite imageries and

presented the factual position before the authorised committees. Instead, they have thrown in the

towel even before the game started. Barring few exceptions, they preferred to sign on the dotted

line. The element of professionalism was conspicuous by absence. In the face of such lacklustre

performance, to say that the Forest Department created roadblocks in implementation is an undue

compliment. The much publicized FD interference in implementation could be the legitimate

protests/objections from the conscientious few of the serving forest fraternity.

It becomes necessary to mention here a new lobby is emerging who argue that there is over-

emphasis on environment. It is distressing to see some foresters too are prepared to buy this

argument (mercifully, only a few). The emphasis on and commitment to the cause of forests is no

longer the same acquired in institutions of forestry. These officers appear to savour privileges as

administrators than hardworking foresters. On account of interaction with outside agencies during

the past decade or two, they appear unsure of their own views and performance. The concern for

the loss of forests and the fervour to prevent it is on decline. There is a tendency to construe it as an

intellectual progression. Some go to the extent of arguing that climate change, global warming,

bio-diversity, ecology, environment etc are all myths and no undue concern need be shown to

them!

Lastly, the set of other agencies that mattered most are the Gram Sabha, the Sub-Divisional Level

Committee and the District level Committee. In view of the fact the Government, the local public

and the polity as a whole, are one in diverting as much forest land as possible as conferrable right,

it may not be necessary get into the details of performance of the Committees. Their role is simple,

clear and uncomplicated. It is an instrument created exclusively to recognize and vest in forest

dwellers the rights over forest land. It is a privilege never bestowed on any public representatives.

There is a point to make in this context. According to settled law, the only authority to settle a right

over a property is the Civil Court. In other words, the powers of a Civil Court are vested in various

Committees created under FRA. If land rights are to be decided by voting, one can understand to

what extent the executive can go to abuse the democratic apparatus.

India has accepted the doctrine of the Rule of Law. The doctrine is explained as follows:

“It means the absence of arbitrary power, effective control of and proper publicity of delegated

May 2011 VANA PREMI

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legislation, particularly when it imposes penalties; that when discretionary power is granted the

manner in which it is to be exercised should as far as possible be defined; that every man should be

responsible to the ordinary law whether he be private citizen or public officer; that private rights

should be determined by impartial and independent tribunals; and that fundamental private rights

are safeguarded by the ordinary law of the land.” (Wade and Phillips – Constitutional Law). What

needs to be seen in this context is whether the Committees created under FRA can come anywhere

near the impartial and independent tribunals mentioned in the doctrine above. The Saxena

Committee has missed this aspect totally. They appear concerned more about claims rejected

than the ineligible claims admitted. The one fact that needs to be kept in mind is that the Gram

Sabha, considered inadequately equipped to exercise the powers mandated by Constitution, is

found suddenly good enough to grant land titles under this legislation. That it cannot issue even a

ration card now in the village is a different story.

It is in the light of these facts the success or failure of the legislation needs to be evaluated. Alienation

of large extents of forest land by itself cannot be deemed as success. The Nation is committed to

rule of law which also implies that the law should be fair, equitable, purpose oriented, rational and

foolproof leaving no scope for subjective interpretations. The following observations in their own

words of the Saxena Committee deserve attention:

1. “Some of the States (e.g. Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh) considered the implementation

of the FRA 2006 as an opportunity “to distribute” forest land and secure the individual rights of

forest dwellers, particularly tribals. These State Governments set a deadline so that distribution is

completed well before the scheduled assembly elections of the State. Even at the National level,

the PMO set a target oriented review mechanism which caused unnecessary rush, distortions in

implementation, pushing States to worry only about showing increase in number of claims processed,

rather than the quality of the process. In a large number of cases the vesting of forest land has taken

place even without measuring the same on the ground. It is to be noted that no deadline for

implementation has been provided in the Act.” (Executive Summary- A.1)

2. “SDLCs and DLCs, even if constituted, have only partially discharged their responsibilities,

with little attempt to proactively help with claims and evidences, and on the contrary, often issuing

rejection letters without adequate grounds.” (Executive Summary – A.3.)

3. “There has been inadequate preparedness and lack of trained staff for implementation of

FRA at grassroots. Land survey, demarcation of boundary and settlement of land rights either for

revenue or forest land is a laborious, complex and time consuming activity. In the instant case State

Governments focussed only on achieving the targets in a time bound manner and the creation of

May 2011 VANA PREMI

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adequate human resources, equipment and building capacity for the gigantic task was not done.

…………. Some tasks (such as measurement or claim preparation) have been either outsourced or

completed by engaging staff on contract basis. This has adversely affected the quality and accuracy

of the output in many States resulting in wrongful rejections and also in few cases wrong acceptance

of a number of claims. (Executive Summary – A.4.)

4. Application of spatial technologies (including remote sensing (RS), global positions systems

(GPS) and geographic information system (GIS) have the potential to help in rapid delineation of

boundaries, immutable positional information and objective determination of the physical status of

claimed lands, provided skills are built, transparency is ensured and safeguards are followed. Several

States have utilized GPS technology for plot delineation. Only one State (Maharashtra) has used the

full suite of technologies (RS+GIS+GPS) for all three purposes in a relatively transparent manner. But

the SLMCstopped this process half way because of the “slow progress” and now title deeds are granted

without land measurement, which is a serious concern.” (Executive Summary – A.5.)

5. MoTA should issue directions that wherever FRC have been incorrectly formed …… without

following a democratic process, these FRCs are to be reconstituted through open elections at level

of PESA or revenue village-level Gram Sabhas, with clear instructions so that officials do not usurp

powers and functions of the FRCs. However, where there has been satisfactory processing of claims

and vesting of rights despite faulty FRC formation this should not be undone. The reconstituted

FRCs should only review where there has been improper rejection or acceptance, or denial of the

possibility of making claims etc and properly process new claims.” (Executive Summary – (A.8. ( c ))

6. “………. MoTA should clarify that no disqualifications on the basis of possession of additional

revenue land or jobs, or location of residence on revenue land etc are permissible under the FRA.”

(Executive Summary – A. 8 (d).

7. a special set of guidelines need to be worked out for the proper use of spatial technology in

the delineation, location and status verification of claims filed, so as to ensure reliability, objectivity

and transparency. Best practices identified and techniques developed in Maharashtra should be

incorporated; financial support, equipment and training should be provided at all levels, especially

the FRCs and field verifications done with involvement of claimants. (Executive Summary – A. 8. (e).

8. “State Governments should review their SLMCs, DLCs and SDLCs, including the problems

identified in this report regarding their composition, functioning, public interface and transparency

and issue directions for necessary correctives in each of these institutions.” (Executive Summary –

A. 8 (f ).

May 2011 VANA PREMI

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9. “MoTA should clarify the procedure to be followed for ensuring that rights certificates issued

under FRA are entered in record of rights, land settlement anf forest settlement records of each

State.” (Executive Summary – A. 8. (h).

10. “By and large, the Individual Forest Rights (IFR) claims that have been accepted are

legitimate ones. There are, however, some cases of fraudulent claims or post-2005 encroachments

reported from Maharashtra and a couple of other States.” (Executive Summary - B. 10.)

11. “There are however major errors of omission.” (Executive Summary - B. 11.)

12. “The biggest problem is with the many cases of faulty rejections. Rejections are done without

assigning reasons or based on wrong interpretation……”. (Executive Summary – B. 12.)

13. “All States need to address afresh the problem of omissions: areas where the FRA is not

happening, settlements, groups or individuals that are being left out and so on.” (Executive Summary

- 16. Recommendations (a)

14. Title deeds of land for individual possession should be given only after the physical

measurement has been accurately done on the ground and demarcated with permanent boundary

marks in the presence of all the stakeholders to avoid future land disputes.” (Executive Summary–

16. (b).

15. “The task is difficult since right from the days, prior to the birth of the Act, it was hailed as an

Act to grant pattas of forest land. This perception unfortunately continues even today not just

among masses but also amongst some of the implementers and policymakers. The Act is also

widely seen as one of change of forest governance but is unfortunately not being understood as

such.” (Ch. 1 – Para 1.3.)

16. “The PMO’s target oriented review mechanism has also caused distortions in implementation

pushing States to worry only about showing increase in number of claims processed rather than

the quality of the process.” (Ch.3-para 2.3.4.3.)

17. “Constitution of Gram Sabhas is at the panchayat level, rather than at the village /hamlet

level. As is evidently clear from 2(g) and 2(p) of the Act, the gram sabhas are to be convened at the

hamlet level in schedule V areas and the revenue village level or traditional village or habitations

and settlements in other areas. However, in a number of states, such as AP, WB,and UP, these are

being called at the panchayat level, which is illegal. (11.1.1.)

18. “The Tribal Development Departments of the State Governments have neither crosschecked

the work being done at the village levelby the revenue and forest officials, nor did they engage any

outside agency to do independent assessment.” (11.1.2.)

May 2011 VANA PREMI

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19. “Powers of the FRC and GS are exercised by the village level officials and the non-officials of

the FRC and GS are just putting their signatures to the reports written by the officials. The village

level enquiry reports Have not been verified by block and district level officials. Neatly devised

systems of processing of claims at various levels has not been operationalized except in few areas

of some States.” (11.1.3.)

20. “In almost no instance has the SDLC proactively provided maps, documents and evidence

to FRCs and GSs though this is required by FRA.” (11.1.5.)

21. “The Tribal departments are used to give scholarships and grants to beneficiaries but have

no experience of dealing with programmes that require interdepartmental coordination. Most

nodal officers, without much of capacity building inputs given to them, were thus quite happy

collecting statistical information on FRA but took no initiative in verifying the figures, arranging for

a supervision architecture, or assessing the quality of performance of districts. The Tribal Welfare

Department officers are seen as very low in the hierarchy as compared to the Chairman and hence

had hardly any say in the matter and hardly took any initiative. The show was seen and projected

primarily as Chaiman’s or FD show.” (11.1.6.)

22. “Only a few States have been able to use application of the spatial and remote sensing

technology mainly, GPS or PDA for demarcating the boundary and measuring area of plots for

individual forest rights because of lack of capacity building in the application of this technology.”

(11.1.9)

In the end analysis, if the nodal agency did not play its assigned role and if the implementation of

the Act is hijacked by revenue or forest officials and if different agencies that matter in the context

did not do what is expected of them, resulting in serious infractions, as opined by the Saxena

Committee, it is apparent that there are legal, procedural and systemic faults. Taking up

implementation before the grey areas are addressed, was a lapse. The Government went ahead

with implementation in an unholy haste. The Committee’s view that all inconvenient things crept

in implementation should go and all favourable acts must survive, irrespective of legal sanction,

cannot be acceptable in civilized society. It should strictly be according to law. It cannot be a law of

convenience. If what is done is illegal, it has to go lock, stock and barrel irrespective of the

consideration whether it pinches whom and where. It has to be reminded here that the very

constitutional validity and legality of the provisions of the FRA are challenged and the matter is

pending before Courts.

May 2011 VANA PREMI

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Listing out all the observations of Saxena Committee will result in reproduction of the report. The

objective of the article is to point out some of the systemic defects in the legislation and in its

implementation. It does not mean that the Report is good and conclusions drawn are correct. The

Committee itself is conscious of its inadequacies admitted in so many words on the information

available. They could find glaring defects even on the basis of peripheral inputs and the actual

position could be much worse. The thrust of the views expressed by the Committee appears to

highlight the need to go even beyond the confines of the given law to alienate forest land and to

plead for providing space to civil society organizations in the implementation of the Act. The

Committee did not have a single word of sympathy towards environment. The health and well

being of future generations did not mean anything to the Committee. The Committee expects

the civil societies to do wonder where the accountable government agencies failed. It is a very

dangerous suggestion bound to make the waters murkier. One has to wait and see how the

Government is going to respond to the recommendations made. The views of the real stakeholders

on the report are yet to be known. Perhaps, the last word can only be said by the Courts.

Ramesh made this remark while accusing the

Information Technology (IT ) industry of not

adhering to green norms.

"The IT industry is a huge guzzler for air

conditioning. IT buildings are horribly inefficient

when it comes to meeting energy efficient

levels. I close my ears when the IT czars are giving

long lectures on green building," he said.

The minister also said that buildings of the IT

industry are "poor advertisements of green

habitats."

Ramesh made these remarks while speaking at

the "Green Landscape Summit-2011" organised

by CII.

On other issues, Ramesh said India's ambitious

target of bringing 33 per cent of its area under

green cover is well out of reach given the size

of the population and the pressure for

development.

Ramesh instead felt that the focus should be on

improving the quality of the existing green

cover, rather than trying to extend it.

He also pointed out that about 40 per cent of

the Indian forest is open degraded forest land,

which means when you look up, you easily see

the Sun (In forests with good tree cover, it is not

possible to see the sun except in glimpses).

Contd. from page no. 39

May 2011 VANA PREMI

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Of late I have been asking questions to myself.

One of them is why we forest officers mix

pleasure fun and frolic with tough and hard

physicals .Our annual meets, can be comfortably

conducted in ease and luxury of resorts. But in

closed confines we gasp for breath, and rush to

open spaces like fish to water. Our schedules end

up in excruciating forays into forests on the first

call. Is it due to an ample intake of overt and

venison, or is it due to the extra lung space we

built up pumping in pure Oxygen with our field

jaunts, while we were in harness?

This happened in XI SFRC meet in our visit to the

Biosphere Reserve. After a sumptuous lunch at

the Eco tourism Centre the organizers offered to

members, a choice to march 2 kilometers up, to

the 300 year old woody climber (Enteda

scandence) It is supposed to be one of its kinds.

Most of us took the bait. We started huffing and

puffing towards the sleeping beauty. With

bulging girths of our own, the seventies going

on eighties intended to measure the girths of

the creep at regular intervals all along the 3 ½

kilometers of its length. As the Sun was going

down the organizers got restless and advised us

to retreat. But beating retreat is not what we

could reconcile to even at the cost of being left

out. “We would rather sleep, with the woody

climber for a change, than in the arms of our bed

cushions-?” However, after persistent efforts of

CALL OF THE CHOLA COUNTRYBy

Navratan Singh

the organizers, wiser counsel prevailed. We were

dissuaded, brought back to the camp, served hot

cups of tea and herded back to Tirupathy.

The other question that I often ask myself is why

the Tamil country, the land of the Cholas beckons

me to its fold every now and then and I move

towards it in a trance.

XI SFRCIANS meet so close to it raked up my

itch for this tract of the country I have a fetish for.

I planned my trip keeping a few days open. Soon

after the last lunch of the Meet, and hugs and

kisses (pappis & jhappies), with every bit of my

body aching we rushed lock stock and barrel to

the bus stand. Buses were available only up to

Kancheepuram. One was actually waiting for us

.We jumped in.

Tamilnadu and its junior Poducherry are unique

because they are full of Tamilians. Nowhere else

in the world you find so many people squeezed

in such a small area speaking so loud and

eloquent Tamil. It is a lingo I was trying to master

for two years until I found a toddler of two

speaking much better than me. Disappointedly

I said, “I quit”. The language by itself coupled with

the long names of the people speaking it

increases the number of neurons and sets them

up in the brain, such a way as to increase their

IQ.

May 2011 VANA PREMI

23

It is so difficult to fathom the Tamil mind which

makes a face like that of Rajnikant, turn them on.

It makes them field the finest bureaucrats, who

fuel the engine of the Central and State

administrations. It proliferates, prodigies making

mathematicians, scientists, poets, chess players

and musicians. The Centre dreads the Quick Gun

Murugans they throw up as their leaders. Their

verdant demography amazes us. It includes the

barefoot billionaires loitering in the dinghy by

lanes of Tiruppur as well as, everlasting beauties

sent to the tinsel world like Viajayantimala,

HemaMalini and Rekha. The country loves the

melodious twist they give to your names. If your

parents name you Hamd Hussain you will be

Gamid Gussain. Karunakar becomes Garunagar

and Hemanth Karkare will be reminded of his

savlon gargle when repeatedly addressed as

Gemanth Gargare.

Ramanujam, .C.V.Raman, Venkataraman

Ramakrishnan, Vishvanathan Anand, the list of

gems in their treasure is endless. Integrationists

pointing blaming fingers at them have to eat

their boots, by the fact that Subramuniam Bharti

wrote poems on Guru Govind Singh.

This land produced the only colonizers that India

made. The Cholas were gritty warriors and

seafarers. I understand that the great advantage

they had in their battles was the fabulous Tamil

smile. Sparkling white teeth on a dark base has a

psychedelic effect which stuns and paralyses its

prey. They subjugated colonies after colonies, far

and wide extending over a large chunk of the

pacific, viz Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia.

The area comprises of the present Myanmar,

Thailand Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and

Indonesia and of course Sri Lanka. Had they not

stuck their nose with the Pallavas, Chalukyas, and

Pandyas, they would have spread their wings to

Oceania, the land of Aussies & Kiwis and greeted

Thomas Cook with a loud Vanakkam.

Kanchepuram did not make us wait and offered

us a connecting bus to Poducherry better known

by its nickname Pondy, and that too with a vacant

front seat. The journey was swift and exhilarating,

wide wind screen in our front and the driver on

our right. We were going to make it to Pondy by

sunset.

The town greeted us through sleek receptive

gates, and soon took us to its bosom. Alighting

at the bus stand I reached out to the softest

looking of the auto drivers and asked him to find

us a lodge. Hunting for a lodge is one of my

favorite activities. I start it with noting down the

phone number of the police station in the

vicinity. One point to be noted is, never reach

Pondy on weekends when it overflows with

visitors. After ‘no vacancy’ regrets at several

lodges we got one on the Mission street. Room

secured and luggage checked in, we had to rush

for an eating place before they shut them off.

The nearest was a few blocks away. We decided

to let the driver go, and asked for the charge. The

driver studied the meter carefully and then

started counting on his fingers. Announcing six

hundred and fifty, his explanation was, two

hundred for the ride and four hundred and fifty

for nine stoppages at fifty each. The issue was

May 2011 VANA PREMI

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contentious. The figure was a few multiples up

on my calculation. I brandished my cell phone

and dialed.

“Hello, Police Station? ‘Enna Swamy- Namasgar.

Let me talk to the inspector”. - and then,- “Hi !

Singh here. How ‘r u Thumbi. I am back- I am at

Kailash Guest House for this night. Meet me

tomorrow at Park Guest House. By the way talk

to this auto driver. He has a problem. Eh- What is

your auto Number?”.The speechless driver

pleaded joining both his palms.

“OK Don’t bother, bye” .My proximity to authority

had its sobering effect and resulted in

consensus. I thanked the instrument I was talking

to. The number 001, I called, had reached no one.

Pondy comes in two flavors. Tamil flavor and

French flavor. It is a place to just relax eat, drink,

add zing to your life, and live on. It forbids

carrying any agenda or deadline. It is a place to

feel, to discover you. Throw away your watch; do

not look at the calendar. Just be merry and enjoy

life king size. It is a place you deserve and have

every reason, to be in. But even this heaven can

not relieve you of one job, booking of return

tickets. Chennai by bus was a given. The smooth

and silky road ride could not be missed.

Back journey from Chennai by train throws out

possibilities of some variations. A break at

Bapatla is one choice. It is the gateway of the

beach at Suryalanka. An Air force station on the

beach has made it a very popular resort among

the defense personnel. Some of them had

spotted dolphins very near to the sea shore.

Ponnami runs a guest house with about a dozen

suits here, which are generally vacant.

Earlier I had a thorough look at the Railways

guide ‘Trains at a glance’ to pick up a train from

Chennai which gave me the maximum stay at

Pondy and dropped me at a civilized hour in

Bapatla. I had an immense liking for the one

going by the name Pinakini. It started at 2 PM

and reached Bapatla around 8-30 PM, and more

importantly had vacancies. The name Pinakini

floored me down. Its anagram in Hindi ‘Pina kyun

nain’ has long been my leitmotif to counter the

advocates of abdication.

Taking leave of Pondy is always a painful parting.

I took a walk on the jetty, taking in lungful deep

breaths and stayed as long as I could afford to. At

the Bus stand I went to the MAY I HELP YOU

man. He was a mono linguistic guy. Whichever

language you addressed him in you got reply in

colloquial Tamil. On asking for Chennai bus he

pointed out towards one and blurted out some

expletives. I did not bother to go into further

details and moved on, for which I had to repent

later.

Pondy to Chennai was the best bus travel in my

package. The road is one of the finest in the

country. And our carriage sailed on beautifully.

The ride was a pure ecstasy. We entered out skirts

of Chennai. It was past 12 now. We wanted to

know where we stood vis-a-vis Chennai Central.

I asked one fellow traveler, cute young lass. How

long it takes to go to Chennai Central. “Two hours,

may be I am not sure.” This reply took the wind

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out of our sails. But she was not sure. We should

ask some one, sure enough, we consoled

ourselves. Another gentleman came to our

rescue.” This bus goes up to Guindy only. Get

down at the railway station and take the local

train to Park station. Central will be walk able

from there”. Now I recollected in a flash back what

the man on the Pondy help desk was trying to

say.” Trouble now.” We got into this scary situation

due to too much of loafing around. We pulled

our baggage down and rushed towards the

station, an old fashioned building, painted brick

red. I was not much impressed by the structure,

even though in gratitude. Every minute of our

wait seemed to be an age. And then the lady

arrived. One o’clock noon being a non rush hour

we slipped in and settled .The lady was swift and

stations passed by. In our anxiety we failed to

notice any of them. It took about half an hour

and we were on the Park Station platform. We

took the beeline to the underground passage

and crossed over. As we surfaced and looked we

were facing the majestic Chennai Central, still

half a kilometer away. Now we had to sprint this

last lap.

Chennai Central was as Chennai Central is wont

to be, confusing and bustling with passengers of

various hues and shades. The display board was

working intermittently, going off and on at will.

Railways have a penchant for employing

announcers with incomprehensible squeaky

voices, coupled with the rut of the public address

system and din and noise of the maddening

crowds. Their blabber left us more confused with

every broadcast. After a while I could catch the

display, which suddenly came to life and

informed that Pinakini was ready to leave. Further

beating around the bush revealed that some of

the platforms were behind the brick and mortar

structure and Pinakini was playing hide and seek

with us. Exhausted to the bone we limped

towards our bogie. We dreamt of a good stretch

of legs for next six hours. But more surprises

were ahead of us.

Pinakini turned out to be an intercity train with

only sitting facility and no berths. In my

infatuation with its name I had ignored the

details. We located our seats and lowered

ourselves down. Now I and partner are blessed

with rather ample sized build. I had often

absolved myself of the accusations on this count.

My plea was “yeh to Ram ki Mahima hai, hamra

kya kasoor hai” ( This is but the grace of the Lord,

no guilt on me). The vacant space of 4 x 18 inches

left vacant by us, after squeezing ourselves,

presented a pathetic look. The bogy was filling

up, first all the seats, then the passages. Some

new arrivals briskly moved towards our seat,

enthralling us. A look at close quarters and they

moved away disapprovingly. I was getting

restless, feeling the hurt of rejection. Finally I

spotted a thin skin and bone of a very small

frame, and invited him. I was overwhelmed with

joy, as he precipitated on the strip offered by

me. The train started. I noticed he was not

comfortable and very soon he will desert me. I

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was right. A few minutes later he got up and got

dissolved in the crowd. I could under stand now

why some airlines charge you double the fares if

the plinth area of your person exceeds their

standards. Now we were de facto owners of the

whole of the seat but not so de jure. However

the situation eased up after a few stations.

The compartments are provided display screens

which read the name of the next station, its

receding distance from the train and expected

arrival time. We dozed off after making a few

thumb rules .Get on your toes if it shows Chirala.

Afterwards if it does not show Chirala or Bapatla,

you have gone too far. However we were wide

awake and landed comfortably in Bapatla.

At every new place I visit, my first enquiry is about

a place to stay and the next is a place to eat. The

person holding the enquiry counter in the station

itself was a great sport. He beamed a cheerful

smile at me. He surely was not one of those who

yawningly give you a tired look, as at an intruder

and talk to you as if doing a favor. He proudly

informed that one of the newly constructed

retiring rooms was vacant. I completed the

necessary formalities. The eatery he

recommended was Sripriya in the town Centre.

Suryalanka at about 10 kilometers was

reachable by autos. The room still a virgin was in

colorful drapes, with brand new mattresses and

pillows a shining tiled floor and a spotless rest

room with a large exhaust fan. Baptla station

which gave a desolate look when we got there,

proved to be a nocturnal beast, dead in the day

and bubbling with activity in the night. Most of

the trains to Chennai from other metros pass

through it in the midnight. Later I observed that

the most significant building in Bapatla is the

station itself.

Early next morning we stepped out in to the

town. We noticed people joyfully moving about

on strange jalopies. The ingenuity of the

Bapatlavi ( I coined this word , the Urdu way)

underlines itself through this invention which

may change commuting mode throughout the

world. The planners of schemes like JN NURM

can get a lead, from these highly efficient eco

friendly, and pollution free carriages. The design

is simple. A rectangular thick board of teak,

probably stolen from the forests of Adilabad or

Karimnagar is fixed just a little below the hip

level on cycle rickshaws. All you hav to do is turn

around, softly touch your arise to the plank, get

on your toes, push yourself against it and you

are aboard. Your feet are joyfully dangling in the

air. You get an uplifting feel of independence.

You do not have to bend your legs and aggravate

your knee joints. Getting down is another delight.

Just straighten your feet and you are landed.

In the North, on and off I have been riding on

rickshaws. It is like mounting a camel. Being

arthritic I know the hell I have to go through,

getting up and down, and later getting

incapacitated for the rest of the day. The

rickshaws of Hyderabad are still worse, with only

May 2011 VANA PREMI

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six inches difference in levels of the seat and the

floor. Good riddance. They are obsolete now,

thanks to the delusion of prosperity we have

been tricked into. The limitation of space in the

seats is another discomfort for the chosen few,

with bloated bodies. I have seen some of them

seated on the ridge of the backrest which made

a deep dent on their bottoms.

The back is the most under utilized organ in the

human anatomy. It has not been put to any

meaningful use so far, except for making a fashion

statement through deep necked apparels.

However the titillations caused this way by a few

shapely bodies are more than offset, by the far

numerous, bulging with tyre rings around them.

The wily Bapatlavi has devised this four seater

with amazing economic and social ramifications.

Two Passengers sit in the front on the left and

right of the man on pedal and two in the back.

No window aisle problem, every seat is windy.

There are no back rests. The front seater’s back

rests on that of the one seated behind. The

elimination of back rests saves ten percent of

the meager cost of the machine It gives both of

them a mild scrub on each bump and a pleasant

sensation. Touch and body contacts break the

barriers of mind and bind people together, had

there been no untouchablity, the country would

not have the scourge of cast system.

It also throws open a plethora of fantasies.

Anticipation is more exciting than fulfillment.

Day in and day out you end up fantasizing,

rubbing your flabby back with sinews and

muscles of some dusky belle and the thrill of

living goes on. In a span of four days of life two

are gone in desire and the other two in

anticipation.( Do arzoo mein kat gaye Do intezar

mein.)

This machine is an efficient fitness aide and has

immense potential of export, to the smoke free

European and American towns. Children padding

up, loads of fat is a constant worry of parents in

U.S. In the state of Omaha an ambitious project

was taken up to lay cycling tracks. This is an ideal

machine for a group of five, to pedal by turns, to

and back from their schools and toning up their

bodies in the bargain. Better sooner than later

the Bapatlavi should get a patent for his

creativity.

The beach of Suryalanka, about 9-10 kilometers

from Bapatla is conveniently reached by autos.

Standard charges then were Rs.100/- either way.

A livelier choice is to ride a sharing auto for Rs.10/

per head. You have to get the nod from the driver,

and wait. There is an extra plank fixed on the back

of the front seat. He makes room for the

passengers calculating their body volumes. He

was going to fit in, four in the back seat four on

the plank and two on his own seat, with me

getting this privilege. Without reaching the

figure of 10 the auto was not going to budge an

inch. The passengers sit facing each other with

their two legs alternated by those of their

opposite numbers. A brisk pull of the handle and

engine comes to life. But the driver sees more

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hands signaling. He kills the engine and waits.

Now you are amazed to see how spaces expand

with the need of the hour. He made adjustments

asking some to change their seats and fixed in

two more. He asked me to get down to set up

one more on his right and one on his left. Then

he invited me back. Now loaded with 15 the auto

is unleashed on the road, with half of my body

swinging in the air. In the return trip, if lucky you

may be gifted an additional freebee. As you

stretch your leg you find some thing soft and wet.

Then an odor of fish hits your nostrils. The odor

remains with you, much after your journey.

Wherever you go it follows you like a jilted lover.

The journey is a wonderful learning experience.

Conversations go on about the day to day

happenings, the joys and worries, the gains and

the pains, the agonies and the ecstasies of life.

Soon you are no longer a stranger. The hot topic

then, was a radio and television warning of storm

building up in the sea. The concern showed on

the faces of those whose folks were out in the

sea. The auto takes me past the Air Force Station

right up to the sandy shores of Suryalanka. And I

stood facing the Bay of Bengal.

A good beach should have a mild gradient of

slope. It should slowly lower you down allowing

you to test the water, jumping over or dipping

under the splashing waves. It should be free

from swift or deceptive under currents. This is

ensured by. a deep inwards curve, from the

mouth of river Krishna to Ongole, in the corpore

sano of India. It should be free from crocks and

sharks. Presence of dolphins in the vicinity is a

good news. Suryalanka has all these positives

going with it. It needs a few shacks providing

good sea foods and doubling up as cloak rooms

for depositing belongings. An efficient coast

guard with good rescue equipment has to be

drafted up. It will give the beaches of Goa a run

for their money.

Nature hides its choicest fruits of exhilaration

behind the barriers of toil and grit. Swimming in

the sea is one such delight. The soft and the meek

are deprived of the fun, by a process of

elimination. If we dare the surf and splashes, go

deeper into the sea a whole world of joys opens

up for us. The sea rocks us up and down like a

baby in a cradle. Once you break the barrier you

have a world of enthralling activities before you,

There is another question that keeps recurring

in my mind. Why the relatives of my wife always

get on my nerves? In one such moment of

desperation I put the question straight to her.

“Show me one relative of yours who can cheer

me up”. She flashed a smile at me and told. ‘Yes

My hubby.”

Why women live a better, longer, and peaceful life?Because women don’t have a wife.

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Red sanders wood, like Sandal Wood, is sold by its

weight and not by the cubical contents. The

scientific name of Red sanders tree is ‘Pterocarpus

santalinus’ and it belongs to the family

‘Leguminosae’. Red sanders species is endemic

to Chittoor and Cuddapah Districts and also

occurs in the borders of Nellore and Kurnool

Districts and does not naturally occur anywhere

in the world. The heartwood of the tree is highly

valuable and it is smuggled out of our country to

foreign countries like Japan, China. Singapore.

Malaysia etc; In the process of its smuggling,

different ways and means are adopted by the

smugglers to delude the Forest Officials. It is

mainly smuggled through fast moving vehicles

like Cars, Jeeps, Vans, Lorries and even Buses. Even

it is smuggled through trains also. Goods trains

that transport iron ore to Madras are mainly

utilized for smuggling of Red sanders wood. The

wood is smuggled in Lorries by covering it under

the top loads like onions, watermelons,

cantaloupes, mangoes, banana bunches, paddy

husk, cotton, Papaya fruits and any material that

is easily available to the smugglers which they

think that would be fit for camouflaging and

hiding of the wood.

The smuggling of Red sanders wood dates back

to early 1950s, if I am correct, (I am subject to

correction). In India the Red sanders wood is

SEIZURE OF AN OIL TANKERBy

V.SANTHASEELA BABUutilized mainly for pillars, poles and beams in

building material, and for pounding sticks, cot

legs, ploughs and toy making etc; Other than

these domestic uses no other uses are known.

The end use of the wood in foreign countries

importing Red sanders wood is still a million

dollar question for us. It is said that they use it in

the manufacture of music instruments called

‘shami shen’ which is manufactured in Japan. But

sometimes powder and chips of Red sanders

was also seized while being smuggled.

Somehow there is some ulterior usage of the

wood which has been kept as a trade secret till

now. It is presumed that it might be being

utilized in atomic reactors and also in the

manufacture of some medicines.

The above introduction about the Red sanders

wood is given by me for the appreciation of

readers who did not work in Red sanders bearing

areas and the readers of other states who do not

have a proper idea of the wood.

During the years 1989 to 1992, I worked as

Divisional Forest Officer, Flying Squad (Red

sanders) Division, Cuddapah (presently YSR

district). The Flying Squad (Red sanders) Division

was formed during the year 1965 with

headquarters at Cuddapah mainly to curb the

Red sanders smuggling activities and the first

District Forest Officer of the Division was Mr. K.

May 2011 VANA PREMI

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Kesava Reddy, I.F.S (Retd) who was our Prl. Chief

Conservator of Forests.

For any Flying Squad Party the informant network

is of prime importance. By setting up reliable

informants and gathering precise information,

cases could be booked successfully. During the

process of contacting the informants and

gathering of information about the smuggling

of Red sanders, it came to light that the Red

sanders smugglers have invented a new

technique in smuggling of the wood and it was

being smuggled through oil tankers. The ‘modus

operandi’ is that there are certain Cement

factories located at Yerraguntla town in

Cuddapah District and the oil utilized in running

those factories is transported from Madras. The

smugglers contact the drivers of those oil tankers

while they are on their way to Yerraguntla and

fix up a deal with them for transport of Red

sanders wood on their return trip to Madras. After

unloading the oil at Yerraguntla, the drivers of

those oil tankers come in contact with the

smugglers at a pre-designated point and get the

Red sanders wood loaded in to the tanker and go

scot free to Madras as none would suspect them

en-route. After coming to know about this I was

surprised at the innovative techniques adopted

by the smugglers in transport of Red sanders

wood. I have requested some of my informants

to work out in this aspect and gather precise

information about the smuggling through oil

tankers and pass on the same to me and

promised to pay them an attractive sum for the

information leading to the detection of the case

as informant reward.

One day, while I was indisposed with slight

temperature, at about 7 PM in the evening, my

staff came to me and informed that they have

received information about smuggling of

firewood to Cuddapah town. As I was unwell, I

asked them to go along with the Range Officer

and checkup the information. After about an

hour or so the office watcher knocked at the

door and handed over an urgent Telegram

addressed to me. When I opened and read the

telegram it was mentioned in it “ Oil Tanker today

on Madras Road” and some unknown name was

there as sender. I just thought over for some

time as none of my staff were available with

me. I sent my elder son on Motor cycle along

with the office watcher to the Forest Range

Officer, Cuddapah asking him to come with the

available staff to my office immediately in

uniforms. The Forest Range officer has earlier

worked in Flying Squad Party, Rayachoty under

my control. In the meanwhile I telephoned to

the Divisional Forest Officer, Cuddapah and

requested him to send his jeep along with his

driver to me. Within about half an hour the

Forest Range Officer, Cuddapah with his staff and

the jeep sent by the DFO, Cuddapah were at

my office.

Then I proceeded in the jeep with the FRO and

staff on Cuddapah – Renigunta road and kept

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watch on the main road at a vantage point. We

were stopping all the vehicles and checking

them. At about 1 AM there were two Lorries

coming from Nandyal Division along with

Bamboo loads and we stopped both the Lorries

and the staff were obtaining the permits from

them for checking. In the meanwhile an Oil

Tanker bypassed both the Lorries by getting

down the road margin and speeded up in spite

of the attempts of the staff to stop it.

Immediately all of us got in to the jeep and

started chasing the Tanker. The tanker was

speeding up and we were also following it in

our jeep without minding our speed. After

chasing for about 10 to 15 Kms, we noticed that

the Tanker was left on the midst of the road in

running condition itself without even switching

off the engine and the inmates of the tanker have

fled from the scene. I first asked the staff to open

the lids of the oil tanker and checkup the

contents. One of the staff members climbed up

the tanker and after opening the lid shouted “Sir,

there are Red sanders pieces inside”. Then I asked

the staff to go and search for the people who

fled from the oil tanker in nearby areas.

After some time an old lady came there and after

seeing us and the staff in uniform, told us that

she was at the bus shelter which is nearby on

the roadside and a stranger came there and

when enquired by her, he was talking in an

unknown language and she could not understand

what he was telling. We went along with her and

found a person who was wearing a lungi and

sitting in the small bus shelter located on the

roadside. There was a small leather bag in his

hands. On enquiry he stated in Tamil that he is a

trader of cattle and that he came to buy some

cattle from the local villagers and was waiting

for some transport facility to go to Madras.

Somehow I was suspicious on his replies and his

behavior. I wanted to check the bonafides of his

statement and forcibly took the leather bag

from him. When I opened the bag I was

astonished to see the Trip sheet, Registration

Certificate, Insurance cover and connected

records of the Oil Tanker and his Driving Licence.

Immediately we took him in to our custody and

sent word for panchayathdars and conducted

panchanama and recorded the statement of the

person taken in to custody by us. After

completing the formalities we took the Oil

Tanker to the premises of my office and kept in

safe custody.

The next day right from the morning there was a

stream of visitors from the town at my office to

have a glimpse of the Oil Tanker seized by us as it

was first of its kind in those days. The driver was

produced before the Judicial First Class Magistrate,

Cuddapah and was remanded to Judicial custody.

Since I was one of the PWs in the case, I felt that it

was not just on my part to initiate confiscation

proceedings. So I directed the Forest Range Officer

to produce the Vehicle before the Divisional Forest

Officer, Cuddapah Territorial Division for initiating

the confiscation proceedings under Sec 44-A of

A.P. Forest Act 1967.

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The news of seizure of Oil Tanker with Red

sanders wood was covered by all the press

reporters at Cuddapah and appeared in the

Newspapers. I got a good enlarged photograph

of the vehicle and the PWs taken and sent it to

the News Editor of Doora Darshan and the news

with photograph was telecasted in the Regional

news bulletin of Doora Darshan and it was the

first time that a forest offence was telecasted in

the Regional news bulletin of Doora Darshan in

those days.

After a week or so, one of the informants set up

by me for gathering the information regarding

the smuggling of Red sanders by oil tankers

came and met me and claimed for payment of

the reward as promised by me earlier. I asked

him about the proof of passing on the

information as I have requested some more

persons also to get me the information. He

immediately took out the Telegram receipt

issued by the postal authorities when he gave

me the Telegram. With this I was convinced that

he is the right person and sent him away after

paying the amount of reward and thanking him

for the prompt and intelligent way of passing

on the information.

This category of forest staff stationed in the interior

of forests often maintains, two establishments, for

the sake of children’s education. This also prompt

the staff to be absent from headquarters with or

without proper leave. This can probably be

rectified, if subsidized boarding schools are

provided at suitable places for the children up to

10th standard.

Fixing suitable grades, time bound promotions

based on seniority and efficiency will also be

encouraging to attract suitably qualified

candidates.

The recently introduced system of having Forest

Stations on the lines of police department is only

partly successful, since forest inspections are

adversely affected especially if a motor vehicle is

provided for the station, since the staff is tempted

to be away, by turns (with or without leave).

Inspections by higher officers are not fully effective.

Before independence composite Madras State

which included present Tamil Nadu, most part

of present Andhra Pradesh, Malabar area of

Kerala and south Kanara of Karnataka had only

one Chief Conservator of Forests at Madras and

six conservators stationed suitably in different

parts of the State. In many forests rest houses

and inspection bungalows, did not have cooks.

European officers toured in their cars with their

cooks or butlers carrying provisions, procuring

milk, eggs, meat or chicken locally. Junior

officers utilized their peons or rest house

watchers for cooking, if hotels or tea shops were

not available near the place of stay (which was

not an irregularity in those days)

Relocation of additional PCCFs., and CCFs in

different parts of the State, close to important

forest areas, sanctuaries, etc. should be possible,

to utilize the services of higher forest officers

and ensure better management.

Contd. from page no. 6

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ROLL OF HONOURM. Venkataramana, Forest Watcher, Chittoor East Range,

Chittoor East division

Among the non-executive forest employees,

some render service in giving secret information

to field staff leading to detection of forest

offences, some being offences of grave nature.

One such person was Sri M. Venkataramana.

Venkataramana was working as Rest House

Watcher at Panapakam Forest Rest House. He

passed on useful information to field staff

leading to important cases. He used to zealously

participate some times in the seizure of

properties involved in forest offences. The

smugglers who bore grudge against him were

determined to wreak vengeance and finish him

off.

On the night of April 6, 1990 while

Venkataramana was sleeping at the Forest Rest

House at Panapakam, the assailants found, that

was the opportune moment and the killers

stabbed him mercilessly at many places. There

was heavy bleeding and no one else was there

to arrange for any medical assistance. Poor

Venkataramana succumbed to the injuries.

The Government passed orders sanctioning the

usual benefits, to the survivors of Venkataramana,

of ex-gratia payment Rs. One lakh; payment of

salary to the widow as admissible on the date of

death till the date of retirement if he had been

alive; payment of family pension and gratuity to

the widow; and provision of employment to one

of the survivors of the family.

Accordingly Sri Prasad Babu, son of the late

Venkataramana, was offered the job of attender

in March 1991 in the division office of Chittoor

East division. But after a few days, Prasad Babu

resigned the job and took up employment with

TTD as Assistant Wireman.

May his soul rest in peace!

K.B.R.

If you have the opportunity to play thisgame of life you need to appreciate everymoment. A lot of people don’t appreciate

the moment until it is passed. (Kanye West)

May 2011 VANA PREMI

34

Germany is a highly industrialized country. It

produces top brands like Benz, BMW, and

Siemens etc. The nuclear reactor pump is made

in a small town in this country. In such a country,

many will think its people lead a luxurious life.

At least that was my impression before my study

trip.

When I arrived at Hamburg, my colleagues who

work in Hamburg arranged a welcome party for

me in a restaurant. As we walked into the

restaurant, we noticed that a lot of tables were

empty. There was a table where a young couple

was having their meal. There were only two

dishes and two cans of beer on the table. I

wondered if such simple meal could be

romantic, and whether the girl will leave this

stingy guy.

There were a few old ladies on another table.

When a dish is served, the waiter would distribute

the food for them, and they would finish every

bit of the food on their plates.

We did not pay much attention to them, as we

were looking forward to the dishes we ordered.

As we were hungry, our local colleague ordered

more food for us. As the restaurant was quiet,

the food came quite fast. Since there were other

activities arranged for us, we did not spend much

time dining. When we left, there was still about

one third of unconsumed food on the table.

When we were leaving the restaurant, we heard

someone calling us. We noticed the old ladies in

the restaurant were talking about us to the

restaurant owner. When they spoke to us in

MONEY IS YOURS BUT RESOURCES

BELONG TO THE SOCIETY

English, we understood that they were unhappy

about us wasting so much food. We immediately

felt that they were really being too busybody

"We paid for our food, it is none of your business

how much food we left behind," my colleague

told the old ladies. The old ladies were furious.

One of them immediately took her hand phone

out and made a call to someone. After a while, a

man in uniform claimed to be an officer from

the Social Security organization arrived. Upon

knowing what the dispute was, he issued us a 50

Mark fine. We all kept quiet. The local colleague

took out a 50 Mark note and repeatedly

apologized to the officer.

The officer told us in a stern voice, "ORDER WHAT

YOU CAN CONSUME, MONEY IS YOURS BUT

RESOURCES BELONG TO THE SOCIETY. THERE ARE

MANY OTHERS IN THE WORLD WHO ARE FACING

SHORTAGE OF RESOURCES. YOU HAVE NO

REASON TO WASTE RESOURCES.

Our face turned red. We all agreed with him in

our hearts. The mindset of people of this rich

country put all of us to shame. WE REALLY NEED

TO REFLECT ON THIS. We are from country which

is not very rich in resources.

To save face, we order large quantity and also

waste food when we give others a treat. THIS

LESSON TAUGHT US A LESSON TO THINK

SERIOUSLY ABOUT CHANGING OUR BAD HABITS.

My colleague photo stetted the fine ticket and

gave a copy to each of us as a souvenir. All of us

kept it and pasted on our wall to remind us that

we shall never be wasteful.

May 2011 VANA PREMI

35

THE “RELEVANCE OF GANDHISM”

IN THE 21ST CENTURYBy

V.V.HARI PRASAD

“Sankar dada zindabad”, was the song to which

the mega star the heart throb of millions of fans

“Chinranjeevi” was dancing to the tunes and

music given by “Devisri Prasad”, one of the

maestros of westernized Indian music and the

hilarious masses were blowing whistles having

seen their favorite hero dancing on the big

screen. It was a remake of a Hindi movie “Lage

raho Munnabhai” into Telugu. As a “Common Man”

I was one of the audiences viewing the film and

was impressed by “Gandhigiri” scrupulously

followed by the hero in the film which ultimately

provided success in his endeavors in facing the

“Unscrupulous Villain” of the film. The million

dollar question that cropped up in my mind was

for “aam aadmi” or the common man “To what

extent “Gandhism” is relevant in the present

century”. Before going to bed that night I read

the book “All Men are brothers” as told by

Mahatma Gandhi in his own words. The thoughts

of Gandhigiri were lingering in my mind and I

went to bed.

An aged bespectacled person with the upper

portion of his body covered with a big woven

cloth, a dhoti, a supporting stick in his hand,

pleasing looks and a broad smile on his face was

walking towards me. His looks and smile made

me recognize him, as the father of the nation. I

recollected the words of Dr. S. Radha Krishnan

the former president of India who said, “It is our

pride that one of the greatest figures of history

lived in our generation, walked with us, spoke

to us, taught us the way civilized living”.

I was standing in front of such a great personality

dumb struck. My joy knew no bounds. He was

looking into my eyes “Probably the almighty

must have sent him to answer my questions.” I

felt. I was trying to gather courage to open my

mouth before him. I greeted him with folded

hands.

He asked me with a smiling face “My friend how

is everybody in our great country. Why are you

looking hesitant for talking with me?”

I got emboldened I have decided to open my

mouth and seek answers for the doubts that

have been pestering me for number of days.

I could recollect the celebration of Centenary

of Inter national women’s day in the month of

March and questioned him about the ways and

means for the emancipation of women from

male chauvinism. He said, “I believe in proper

May 2011 VANA PREMI

36

education of women. Women is the companion

of man gifted with equal mental capacities. She

is entitled to a supreme place in her own sphere

of activity as a man in his.”

He said further “To me the female sex is not the

weaker sex. It is the nobler of the two for it is

even today the embodiment of sacrifice, silent

suffering, humility and faith. To call woman the

weaker sex is a libel. It is man’s injustice to

woman. If by strength is meant brute strength,

then a woman is less brute than man. If by

strength is meant moral power then woman is

immeasurably man’s superior”. I was awe struck

with his reply and for the reverence he has

shown towards women. I recollected our old

scriptures where it was written, “Yathra Naryastu

Pujyante ramante thatra devataha.”

When I questioned him about the prevailing

religious fanaticism all over the world he

exhorted saying, “Religions are different roads

converging to the same point, what does it

matter that we take different roads, so long as

we reach the same goal? If man reaches the heart

of his own religion, he has reached the heart of

the other too”, there by rejecting the religious

fanaticism where ever and in which ever shape

it exists or surfaces from.

He added further, “God has created different faiths

just as he has the votaries there of. How can I

even secretly harbor the thoughts that my

neighbor’s faith is inferior to mine and wish that

he should give up his faith and embrace mine? I

can only wish and pray that he may live and grow

perfect, in his own faith. In God’s house there are

many mansions and they are equally holy”.

I was wonder struck by the view point of

Mahatma. I am sure that this kind of perception

of any religion shall definitely result in religious

tolerance and peaceful co-existence among all,

the people of our Greet Country.

The inquisitiveness in me made to put another

question to Mahatma having been encouraged

by his patient hearing and giving response with

a broad smile persisting on his face. I asked “Bapu

how do you feel about the tension prevailing

internationally and consequent mad race for

armament among the countries. He said, “If the

mad race for armaments continues it is bound

to result in a slaughter such as has never

occurred in the history. If there is a victor left the

very victory will be a living death for the nation

that emerges victorious.”

He said further, “Immediately the spirit of

exploitation is gone, armaments will be felt as a

positive, un-bearable burden. Real

disarmament can not come unless the nations

of the world cease to exploit one another”.

The forethought of Mahatma with regard to

disarmament, exploitation by nations is highly

relevant even today in the context of tensions

May 2011 VANA PREMI

37

prevailing among different countries namely

South Korea and North Korea, Pakistan and India

and U.S.A and Iran.

Regarding the economic disparities prevailing

all over the world in general and in India in

particular he has stated in no uncertain terms “ I

can not picture to my self a time when the rich

will spurn to enrich themselves at the expense

of the poor and the poor will cease to envy the

rich. Even in a most perfect world, we shall fail to

avoid inequalities, but we can and must avoid

strife and bitterness”

He further added,” Exploitation of the poor can

be extinguished not by effecting the destruction

of a few millionaires, but by removing the

ignorance of the poor and teaching them to non-

co-operate with their exploiters. That will

convert the exploiters also. I have even

suggested that ultimately it will lead to both

being equal partners. Capital as such is not evil.

It is its wrong use that is evil. Capital in some

form or other will always be needed.”

The developments that took place in the world

speak volumes of the right perspective of

Mahatma Gandhi in connection with the

alleviation of poverty and dogmatic belief in

Particular theories. USSR could not retain its

identity as one geographical entity and was

divided into Russia, Chechenya and other

independent territories because of “Perestroika”

initiated by “Mikhail Gorbachaw” and also

because of the awareness brought out in the

minds of poverty stricken faceless multitude of

that great county. The policy of “iron curtain” and

communist ideology despising the very idea of

“Capitalism” were not proved to be panacea for

the problems faced by the people of the

erstwhile USSR.

I asked Mahatma, “how is non-violence relevant

these days?.” Pat came the reply. He said, “Non-

Violence is not a resignation from all real fighting

against wickedness. On the contrary, the non-

violence of my conception is a more active and

real fight against wickedness than retaliation

whose very nature is to increase wickedness. I

contemplate a mental therefore a moral

opposition to immoralities. I seek entirely to

blunt the edge of the tyrants’ sword not by

putting up against it a sharper edged weapon,

but by disappointing his expectation that I

would be offering physical resistance. The

resistance of the soul that I should offer would

elude him.”

This great idea or a strategy of non-violence the

brain child of Mahatma, has brought India its

independence form the colonial rule of the

British in 20th Century and it is very much

relevant even now. The very fact that Barrack

Obama the president of U.S.A. who declared him

self to be an admirer of Mahatma Gandhi and his

May 2011 VANA PREMI

38

“non-violence” was given an international award

“Noble prize for peace” for the role played by

him in espousing the cause for international

peace, and disarmament, stresses upon the

importance and relevance of peace and non-

violence even during this century. The vision of

Mahatma Gandhi surpasses that of any other

statesman in the world.

I prostrated before Mahatma Gandhi while

saying “Bapuji who can deny the fact that

Gandhism is very much relevant even today and

even during centuries to come?” Mahatma

Gandhi slowly disappeared while saying “Do not

worship me, worship my thoughts and follow

them for the benefit of mankind in general and

for the sake of our great country, India in

particular.”

I suddenly woke up. The milk vendor was

pressing the calling bell in such a manner that I

was forced to open my eyes and go running to

open the door. The great experience that I had

while conversing with a great soul came to an

end, abruptly. The milk vendor was looking at

me with disgust and anger in his eyes “ Sir I have

to supply milk to number of houses Please

receive the milk and let me go” he said and

vanished in no time from there. Plato said long

ago” There always are in the world a few inspired

men whose acquaintance is beyond price.” yes

I paid the price of pittance by incurring the

wrath of milk vendor in the process of having

acquaintance with a great soul “Mahatma

Gandhi” at least during my valuable dream. It is

true that the human mind in all its baffling

strangeness and vanity produces contrary types

a Buddha or Gandhi a Nero or a Hitler. As long as

the world exists Mahatma Gandhi will be

remembered as an epitome of non-violence, an

embodiment of patience and as one of the

greatest thinkers that this world has ever

produced. True statesmen that he was he said, “I

have nothing new to teach the world. Truth and

non-violence are as old as the hills.” Who has got

the audacity to say, “Gandhism is not relevant

today?”

Note by the writer: The excerpts quoted in this

article were taken from the book “ALL MEN ARE

BROTHERS” as told in Mahatma Gandhi’s own

words.

Achievement seems to be connected withaction. Successful men and women keepmoving. They make mistakes, but they don’tquite. -(Conrad Hilton)

May 2011 VANA PREMI

39

Rajasthan village sarpanch dazzles at UN

meet:-United Nations:- There was a sense of

disbelief among ministers and ambassadors

from diverse nations when the chairperson of

the 11th Info-Poverty World Conference held at

the United Nations introduced the jeans-clad

Chhavi Rajawat as head of a village in India.

For,from a distance one could easily mistake

Rajawat, an articulate, computer-savvy

woman,for a frontline model or at least a

Bollywood actress. But she is sarpanch of Soda

village,60 kilometers from Jaipur, in backward

Rajasthan and the changing face of growing

dynamic rural India.

30-year-old Rajawat quit her senior

management position with Bharti-Tele Ventures

of Airtel Group to serve her beloved villagers as

sarpanch.

Rajawat participated in a panel discussion at the

two-day meet at the UN on March 24 and 25 on

how civil society can implement its actions and

spoke on the role of civil society in fighting

poverty and promoting development.

It is necessary to re-think through various

strategies of action that includes new

technologies like e-services in achieving the

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in an

era where resources have become limited, she

told the delegates of the conference.

If India continues to make progress at the same

pace as it has for the past 65 years since

independence, it just won't be good enough.

NEWS AND NOTESWell be failing people who dream about having

water, electricity, toilets, schools and jobs. I am

convinced we can do it differently and do it

faster. In the past year alone, I and the villagers

in Soda have brought about a radical change in

the village purely through our own efforts. We

have had no outside support, no NGO help, no

public, nor private sector help, she said.

On achieving Millennium Development Goals

(MDGs), Rajawat said that she had sought full

support from outside agencies and the

corporate world.

I thank United Nations Office for Partnerships

(UNOP) which had deputed its senior adviser in

India Babu Lal Jain to visit Soda and extend all

support in the opening of the first bank in the

village. That made all the difference. In three

years I will transform my village. I don't want

money. I want people and organizations to

adopt projects in my village as often projects

fail owing to lack of a local connect and that is

what I am here to provide by bridging that gap.

I want the conference to help bring about faster

change so that this generation can enjoy that

kind of life that I and you in this audience take

for granted, she said to thunderous cheers from

the delegates.

2. Remarks of Environment Minister Mr. Jai

Ram Ramesh:- "I close my ears when the IT

czars are giving long lectures on green

buildings," says Environment Minister Jairam

Ramesh. Contd. on page no. 21

May 2011 VANA PREMI

40

We wish the following born on the dates mentioned

“ A very Happy Birth Day”

Birth Day Greetings

S.No. Name of the member D.O.B.

Sarva Sri

1. G.Gurunathudu 10-05-1949

2. Qamar Mohd Khan 11-05-1947

3. P.Laxma Reddy 13-05-1929

4. M.Purshotham Reddy 14-05-1952

5. Shaik Noor Ahmed 22-05-1946

6. S.Rama Rao 25-05-1950

7. T.Samboji Rao 01-06-1948

8. Y.Ram Mohan Rao 02-06-1941

S.No. Name of the I.F.S. Oficer D.O.B.

Sarva Sri

1. B.Soma Sekara Reddy 10-05-1954

2. M.A.Waheed 12-05-1953

3. S.Ramesh 19-05-1974

4. B.S.Yousuf Sharief 23-05-1953

5. M.Ramprasad 25-05-1955

6. Chinmay Misra 25-05-1957

7. C.Sarvanan 01-06-1978

8. Faujdar 25-05-1954

9. M.Dharashanam 04-06-1951

10. S.S.Sreedhar 04-06-1966

S.No. Name of the S.F.S. Oficer D.O.B.

Sarva Sri

1. Smt.Shaik Jahida Asha 07-05-1975

2. M.Babji 08-05-1968

3. B.Saidulu 09-05-1974

4. N.Nageshwara Rao 10-05-1971

5. S.Kishan Das 10-05-1955

6. K.Satyanarayana 15-05-1954

7. K.Sekhar Reddy 16-05-1956

8. P.V.Ramana Kumar 16-05-1956

9. Ch.Ganga Reddy 19-05-1966

10. Y.Ramesh 20-05-1959

11. G.N.Pavan Kumar Rao 20-05-1967

12. K.Mahaboob Basha 21-05-1986

13. P.Balaswamy 25-05-1960

14. V.Krishna 25-05-1966

15. K.Pradeep 28-05-1954

16. Syed Meer 01-06-1954

17. Ch.Parthananda Prasad 01-06-1954

18. D.Chandrasekhar Rao 01-06-1959

19. Smt.N.Kshitija 01-06-1976

20. C.Viswanath 01-06-1954

21. T.Chakrapani 01-06-1966

22. K.Ramakrishna 01-06-1963

23. P.Ramakrishna 02-06-1972

24. D.Ravindr 02-06-1982

25. N.Ramprasad 04-06-1953

26. G.satyanarayana 04-06-1954

27. Shaik Salaam 04-06-1963

28. K.Srinivas 04-06-1977

S.K.

May 2011 VANA PREMI

41

This is a unique case which describes very

succinctly how a Forest Settlement Officer

played fraud in collusion with the original

claimants and subsequent purchasers of land of

an extent of Acs. 342.50 (138.60 ha) and decided

to exclude from a proposed reserved forest in

Eluru Forest Division and West Godavari district.

The judgment of the District Judge on appeal

by the D.F.O., Eluru, judgment of a single judge of

High Court in a writ petition filed by the D.F.O.

and judgment on writ appeal preferred by the

D.F.O. have all gone against the Forest

Department. Even the Government was carried

away by the wrong representation and decided

to write to the Central Government for the

excision of the area from the proposed R.F. The

C.C.F. ( Vigilance) under the orders of the

Government meticulously carried out an

investigation and unearthed the fraud.

Consequently the D.F.O.’s Review Petition filed

in the High Court was allowed and all the orders

previously passed by the District Court and High

Court were set aside. A very interesting case in

deed!

Land of an extent of Acs. 4,900 in Bhogolu Forest

Block in Chintalapudi taluk in Eluru Forest

Division and West Godavari district was handed

over to the Forest Department in the year1952,

after abolition of estate of Inuganti Madhava Rao.

The area was declared under Sec. 26 of the

Madras Forest Act, 1882 and a notification to that

LEGAL NOTESD.F.O. Eluru vs. District Judge, West Godavari, Eluru & others

effect was issued in 1953.

Out of the total area taken over, an extent of Acs.

4,100 was demarcated and was proposed to be

constituted as reserved forest. Consequently, a

notification of Government under Sec. 4 of the

Andhra Pradesh Forest Act, 1967 was issued in

1970. The consequential proclamation of Forest

Settlement Officer under Sec. 6 of the Act was

published in 1977 whereby claims and

objections against the proposed reservation

were invited by the F.S.O.

In 1982, One Sri Inuganti Rama Krishna Ranga

Rao filed a sworn statement before the F.S.O. and

submitted that his grand father Inuganti

Madhava Rao held Shrotriam in Bhogolu and he

granted zamindari patta over land of an extent

of Acs. 342.50 in Sy. No. 537, to himself and others

of his family in 1931. The pattadars sold away

these lands to 28 individuals. The 28 persons also

filed petitions before the F.S.O. with a request to

settle their claims.

The F.S.O. admitted their claims after enquiry on

18th, 20th, and 21st October 1984 and 7th

November 1984. He addressed a letter to the

Secretary to Government in Forest Department

on 18.12.1984 alleging that the D.F.O. Eluru did

not file counter to the claim petitions. On

inspection of the claimed lands, the F.S.O. found

eucalyptus plantations raised by the A.P. Forest

Development Corporation. He proposed to the

Government for the exclusion of the claimed

May 2011 VANA PREMI

42

lands from the proposed R.F. and suggested that

necessary permission in terms of Sec. 2 of the

Forest Conservation Act be obtained from the

Central Government.

The D.F.O. Eluru filed an appeal against the

decision of the F.S.O. in the District Court which

was dismissed on 17.10.1988. The D.F.O. then

challenged the judgment of the District Court

by filing writ petition No. 12394 of 1989, which

was dismissed on 04.12.1995. Thereupon writ

appeal No. 82 of 1998 was filed against the

judgment of the single judge which was also

dismissed by a Division Bench on 25.01. 2002.

The Government directed the Principal CCF on

01.4.2003 to furnish proposals under Sec. 2 of

the Forest Conservation Act seeking permission

of the Central Government for exclusion of Acs.

342.50 from the proposed reserved forest. But

stayed the orders on 11.10.2004 and directed

the CCF (Vigilance) to cause an enquiry into the

claims.

The CCF (Vigilance) in his discreet enquiry found

that the office record of the Mandal Revenue

Officer has been tampered and the claim of

Inuganti Rama Krishna Ranga Rao before the FSO

is fictitious and untenable.

In W.P. No. 11419 of 2006, Inuganti Rama Krishna

Ranga Rao requested the court to direct the

State Government to make an application to the

Central Government under Sec. 2 of the Forest

Conservation Act and for the Central

Government to consider the said application of

the State Government. It was also requested

further to declare that the State Government’s

order issued in Memo dated 11.10.2004 is illegal

and void. The writ petition was allowed on

19.01.2009 with direction to the Government

to take appropriate action. Aggrieved by the

judgment of the single judge, W.A. No. 1123 of

2009 was filed by the DFO. The Division Bench in

its order dated 08.09.2009 noted the

submissions of the Government Pleader that

fraud committed earlier had come to light and

that the State would file a review application

seeking review of the judgment in W.A. 82 of

1998. Permission was accorded for withdrawal

of appeal in W.A. No. 1123 of 2009 which was

disposed of as withdrawn.

Review application WAMP No. 2601 of 2009 is

taken on file and judgment in WA No. 82 of 1998

is reviewed. The matter is considered by a

Division Bench comprising V.V.S. Rao and

Rameshranganathan, JJ. The facts placed before

the Division Bench are astounding and are the

outcome of strenuous effort made by CCF

(Vigilance). The facts placed before the court are

minutely examined and it was inferred that the

proceedings dated 18.12.1984 of the FSO is the

outcome of fraud played by the FSO in collusion

with the pattadars and their vendees.

It was held that fraud vitiates every act. Fraud

and justice never dwell together. A judgment or

an order obtained by playing fraud is a nullity

and non est in the eye of law.

Though the FSO has stated that he has issued

notice to the DFO enclosing copies of claims but

May 2011 VANA PREMI

43

no notice was issued to the DFO intimating him

of the dates of enquiry held by him. The vendees

have not produced sale deeds and Patta Pass

Books in proof of having purchased the lands.

FSO has ignored the provision of law which

states that during the period between the

notification under section 4 and the date fixed

by the notification under section 15, no rights

shall be acquired by any person in respect of

the lands included in the proposed reserved

forest. The subject lands were originally classified

as ‘Adavi’ (Forest). Names of the individuals are

incorporated by tampering record in the Mandal

Revenue Office. One of the original claimants,

who claim that patta was granted to him, was

not born even by the date of alleged grant of

patta. Original claimants have not declared the

extent of lands in the proposed R.F. in their

declaration under the Land Reforms Act.

A litigant who approaches court is bound to

produce all the documents executed by him

which are relevant to the litigation. If he

withholds he would be guilty of playing fraud on

the court. The scope and meaning of the word,

‘Fraud’, is explained by referring to its meaning

in many dictionaries including legal dictionaries

and quoting extensively from case law on the

subject.

Review petition and writ appeal filed by the State

are allowed awarding exemplary costs of Rs.

50,000/- and the respondents are required to pay

the costs within two months. The orders of

District Judge which affirmed the order of FSO

are set aside. The court was convinced that the

order of the FSO was wangled and obtained

through fraud or misrepresentation.

It is contended that the FSO gave his decision in

favour of the claimants which is affirmed by the

District Judge and upheld by the Single Judge

of the High Court. Therefore that order of Single

Judge has attained finality and therefore it must

be given effect to. Adverting to the contention

it was held that the principle of ‘finality of

litigation’ cannot be pressed to the extent of

such absurdity that it becomes an engine of fraud

in the hands of dishonest litigants. This

contention was therefore rejected. The order of

the single judge is based on the decision of the

FSO which is set aside as it has been obtained

by fraud. The question of obtaining permission

of Central Government for exclusion of the land

does not arise.

Quotable Point: Fraud – A judgment or a decree

obtained by playing fraud on court is a nullity and

non est in the eye of law

KBR 2011 (2) A L T 130 (DB)

Author’s Note: The land of an extent of Acs. 342.50

was almost lost under various judgments. It is

the investigation made by CCF (Vigilance) which

retrieved the department’s prestige. Hats off to

all those forest officers and Government Pleader

for their efforts and effective presentation of the

case, though belatedly. Kudos to the DFO Eluru

for his perseverance.

May 2011 VANA PREMI

44

With profound sorrow we record the demise of Mr.Tummala Rama Krishna, IFS(Retd) who passed away on 11.04.2011 at 10-30 p.m. He was ailing for sometime in the past. He was 67.

Mr T. Rama Krishna was born on 17.02.1944 at Vijayawada. He was the secondson and fourth child of Sri Tummala Venkateshwara Rae and Smt Tummala

Gangabai. Sri Tummala Venkateshwara Rae retired as Post Master General of Anhdra Circle withjurisdiction over A.P.& Tamil Nadu. Sri T. Rama Krishna had his schooling at Machilipatnam and Collegeeducation up to graduation at City College, Hyderabad. He did M.Sc. in Zoology from Osmania University,Hyderabad. He was selected for the Andhra Pradesh State Forest Service in March 1965 and deputed fortraining in forestry at Indian Forest College, Dehra Dun from April 1965 to March 1967.

Mr T. Rama Krishna also underwent training in Wildlife Management at Wildlife Institute of India, DehraDun. He was appointed by promotion to Indian Forest Service with 1972 as year of allotment. He waspromoted to the highest rank of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and retired on superannuationin the year 2004.

Mr T. Rama Krishna held very important assignments. He was one of the most sought after officer in theDepartment and was considered as one of the top authorities on wildlife. Along with Late Mr PushKumar, Former Principal Chef Conservator of Forests, Rama Krishna was credited with improvementand modernising the Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad and establishment of Zoological parks atVisakhapatnam and Tirupathi. The two stalwarts were also credited with establishment of large numberof sanctuaries and National Parks in the State. Rama Krishna was the man behind the, design anddevelopmet of the Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National park in Jublee Hills which is popularly known asK.B.R. Park. After retairment Mr. T. Ramakrishna acted as Consultant to many of the Zoological Parks inthe Country. He had the unique distinction of being a Member of the Zoo Authority of India. He was akeen sportsman and always associated with State and National level sports of the Department.

Some of the important positions he held were (i) Curator, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (ii) DivisionalForest Officer, Eluru (iii) Curator, Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad (iv) Director, Nehru Zoological Park,Hyderabad (v) Conservator of Forests, Hyderabad Circle (vi) Conservator of Forests Wildlife Circle (vii) ChiefConservator of Forests (Wildlife) (viii) Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and ChiefWildlife Warden for A.P State (ix) Managing Director, Agro Industries Development Corporation, Govt. ofA.P (X) Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Managing Director, A.P Forest Development Corporation.

Mr Rama Krishna was known for his hospitality and amiability. He was very popular among his colleagues.Mr. Rama Krishna is fondly remembered by a large number of his colleagues, relatives and friends. He issurvived by Mrs Laxmi (Wife), Anirudh (Son) living in U.S.A.; Mrs Deepti (Daughter) living in Netherlands;and three grandchildren. May God give the survivors, strength to bear the loss.

May the noble soul rest in peace ! M. Sulthan Mohiuddin

OBITUARYT. Rama Krishna

17-02-1944 - 11-04-2011

May 2011 VANA PREMI

45

Registered with RNI R.No. Apeng/2002.2185Postal Regn. No.HSE-743/2009-11

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