Real Hero – K M Chinnappa
Chinnappa was a forest guard in Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka. He took early retirement when his house was burned down, but left an inspirational legacy and is credited for the high prey density that Nagarhole is known for. He has spearheaded its successful campaign against government timber logging inside protected areas, he now works with Wildlife First.
When Chinnappa is asked about his confrontations with poachers, the cases pending against him or the burning down of his house, he brushes them aside. “It is all in the past,” he says. “What matters is that things are changing and the work we are doing is seen as important. That is a great difference.” For 30 years the lanky forest guard battled to save the Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka from poachers, corrupt politicians and even his superiors, from whom there was little support. Helped by a small group of ill-equipped assistants, Chinnappa battled the timber and wildlife mafia.
Chinnappa’s efforts have ensured that a specialised wildlife wing of the Forest Department controls almost all protected areas in Karnataka. Although he is facing charges of trespass made by officials of the Kudremukh National Park, he says they will not be able to prevent him from achieving his goal of stopping mining and tree felling in reserve forests.
Category: True Heroes
