Operation Aranya — Restoring Andhra Pradesh’s Forests
JanaSena's Mission to Protect AP's Green Cover
Operation Aranya is a flagship initiative of the JanaSena Party, led by Sri Pawan Kalyan, aimed at protecting and restoring Andhra Pradesh's vital forest lands. It's a comprehensive strategy to combat illegal encroachment, ensure transparency in land management, and hold violators accountable, safeguarding the state's natural heritage for future generations.
"Forest lands are national assets. Those who encroach upon them, misuse them, or violate forest laws, no matter who they are, will be held accountable. The government will not tolerate the grab of protected forest areas or wildlife zones."
The operation focuses on measurable results, comparing past negligence with current, decisive action. A dedicated budget has_been allocated to fund surveillance, legal action, and technological upgrades.
| Year | Forest Cover (sq km) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 29,137 | -58 sq km |
| 2021 | 29,079 | -41 sq km |
| 2022 | 29,038 | -75 sq km |
| 2023 | 28,963 | -102 sq km (Encroachment peaked) |
| 2024 (Pre-Operation) | 28,861 | - (Baseline) |
| 2025 (Post-Operation Aranya) | 29,000+ (Projected) | + (Reclamation in progress) |
*Data is illustrative to show program goals.
Following an exclusive aerial survey exposing vast illegal encroachment, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan took immediate, decisive action.
An exclusive aerial survey exposed 76.74 acres of illegal encroachment inside the protected Mangalam Peta forest lands in the Eastern Ghats. Reports linked these violations directly to former Forest Minister and senior leader Sri Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy.
The Mangalam Peta probe is the blueprint for future action. The state plans to expand Operation Aranya to all protected regions, leveraging technology to create a transparent, manipulation-proof system.
"Operation Aranya is more than a reclamation project; it's a commitment to transparency and the rule of law. It signals a new era where public assets are protected for the public good, not exploited by the powerful."
Beyond land encroachment, Operation Aranya is also targeting the rampant illegal smuggling of Red Sandalwood (Red Sanders), a precious natural resource unique to the Seshachalam hills.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Environment & Forests K. Pawan Kalyan has directed the Task Force to intensify operations against red sanders smuggling... [Content truncated for brevity]
In a joint operation with Andhra Pradesh Police, Delhi Police arrested two men and seized 10 tonnes of illegally smuggled Red Sandalwood worth ₹6 crore in Tughlakabad, Delhi... [Content truncated for brevity]
The Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force (RSASTF) seized 32 red sander logs worth ₹40 lakh and arrested two smugglers in the Bhakarapet forest area... [Content truncated for brevity]
Task Force personnel in Annamayya district seized 15 red sandalwood logs worth ₹30 lakh in two separate operations near Rajampet... [Content truncated for brevity]
Residents of Appinapalli village in Chittoor district displayed remarkable courage as they chased down a vehicle carrying 10 red sanders logs, inspired by the strong anti-smuggling stance of Deputy Chief Minister... [Content truncated for brevity]
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, during a visit to a Tirupati red sandalwood depot, issued a stern warning to smugglers. He threatened a "brutal" crackdown if they don't stop voluntarily, announcing plans for special zones and teams within a year to "cut down smuggling." Kalyan warned of severe consequences, including using the phrase “Thaata teesesi nilabedatham” and stating the government could seize their properties.