Andhra Pradesh is grappling with a significant scandal involving the alleged encroachment of 76.74 acres of forest land within the Mangalampeta Reserve Forest. Investigations point towards a senior YSRCP leader and former Forest Minister, Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, as being linked to this extensive illegal occupation. The revelations came to light following media reports on January 29, 2025.
In response to the serious allegations, the state government acted swiftly, forming a high-powered, three-member committee. This committee, comprising the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and Conservator of Forests, was mandated to conduct an on-site joint inspection. Multiple surveys, involving the Forest, Revenue, and Land Records departments, have since corroborated the allegations, uncovering documented violations.
Key findings from the joint survey indicate a deliberate attempt to expand landholdings illegally. Records show that while the 1968 Gazette Notification permitted 75.74 acres for cultivation, lands connected to the former minister’s family were enclosed within a fence, measuring a total of 103.98 acres. This enclosure illegally incorporated 32.63 acres of Reserve Forest land. Crucially, 15 out of 26 identified forest boundary markers were found within this private fencing, providing strong evidence of deliberate encroachment.
The investigation further revealed that the encroached forest land was converted into a private estate and utilized for horticulture. This act is a direct contravention of the A.P. Forest Act, 1967. The situation was exacerbated by the illegal drilling of a borewell within the Reserve Forest to irrigate this unlawfully occupied land, representing a grave misuse of forest resources.
Damage to the forest ecosystem is estimated at a substantial Rs 1,26,52,750, according to a scientific assessment conducted under the Van Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan Rules, 2023. A criminal case (POR No. 3/2025) has been registered against the involved parties under pertinent sections of the AP Forest Act, 1967, and the BNS. Despite official notices issued on May 14, 2025, requesting the submission of land ownership documentation, no such records were presented, strengthening the case against the accused.
Authorities have already initiated the process of reclaiming the illegally occupied territory. By May 28, 2025, boundary pillars were reinstated as per the gazette, and the 32.63 acres of forest land were officially taken back. A significant number of trees, including 533 mango and 26 neredu, were seized.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, after reviewing survey data and inspection reports, visited the affected area. Following this, he presented a comprehensive set of directives to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. These directives emphasize transparency by requiring the publication of all encroacher names and details on the government website. Kalyan also called for uncompromising legal action against all land grabbers, thorough investigation into fabricated land claims, swift action on vigilance reports, and the digitization of all land records to prevent future irregularities. He underscored the critical importance of protecting forest lands as national assets, assuring that no individual, regardless of influence, would be spared for such transgressions.