“We are all students running the Save Damagundam Forest campaign across different parts of the country to protect not only the forest land of Damagundam region but also the 60,000 people in 20 villages of Vikarabad District who depend on it for their livelihoods. The proposed Very Low-Frequency (VLF) radar center threatens to destroy 12 lakh trees, affecting 2,900 acres of land. This loss would severely impact grazing and farming in these communities.

Damagundam Forest is a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 100 bird species, leopards, deer, and endangered animals like tigers and elephants. The forest also supports rare tree species, medicinal plants, and valuable flora. Its destruction poses significant environmental risks, including the disruption of the water cycle, which could lead to reduced rainfall and crop failures, and increased soil erosion.

Furthermore, the 40-year-old Ramalingeshwara Swamy temple, located in Ananthagiri Hills, stands at risk of being lost, along with the peaceful coexistence between wildlife and humans. Deforestation will not only harm the temple’s surroundings but may also lead to greater human-animal conflicts.

The campaign highlights the importance of sustainable development that considers both the long-term welfare of the community and the preservation of our natural resources. Environmentalists warn that the project could lead to severe flooding in Hyderabad, affecting the broader regional climate.

We are calling for transparency, proper consultation with the affected communities, and an independent environmental impact assessment. Protecting the Damagundam forest is vital not only for today but also for future generations. Together, we can ensure development doesn’t come at the cost of our environment and community well-being.” #savedamagundamforest