It may be recalled that the then BRS government had issued fresh podu pattas covering some 4 lakh acres of forest land in different districts to around 1.5 lakh applicants. “What groundwater loss in forests means is that we can expect more animalsto move towards crops and water sources in villages,” the official explained. Using borewells in podu lands is already turning farming in such patches into intensive agriculture.” First, a single phase power supply was allowed, but now podu patta holders are demanding three phase power supply. But electricity wires are the biggest threat to wildlife as most poaching happens due to electrified wires laid by people to trap and kill animals,” another forest department official said.