Telangana Launches Ambitious Tree Plantation Drive
Massive Plantation Initiative in Telangana
Hyderabad, July 7: Telangana's Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy initiated the 'Vana Mahotsavam' on Monday, a significant tree planting campaign aimed at planting 18.03 crore saplings throughout the state during the monsoon season.
The launch took place at the Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University located in Rajendranagar, Rangareddy district.
Joined by Forest and Environment Minister Konda Surekha and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) C. Suvarna, the Chief Minister participated in planting saplings at the Botanical Garden.
During his address, the Chief Minister encouraged households to plant at least two saplings each and urged women to nurture these plants as if they were their own children.
Expressing his worries about global warming, he highlighted the importance of increasing tree cover to protect the environment. He stated, “If you protect trees, trees will protect you.”
CM Revanth Reddy also pointed out the crucial role women can play in environmental conservation. He outlined various initiatives his government has undertaken to support women's welfare and promote entrepreneurship.
He reiterated the government's commitment to empowering women, aiming to enhance their self-respect through diverse programs.
Additionally, he encouraged women to engage actively in politics, mentioning that the number of Assembly seats in the state will rise from 119 to 153, with a proposed 33 percent reservation for women translating to 51 seats. “I will ensure that 60 tickets are allocated to women,” he assured.
PCCF Suvarna confirmed that the ambitious goal of planting 18.03 crore saplings is part of the Vana Mahotsavam initiative, which seeks to improve the state's forest cover and promote environmental sustainability.
She noted that various departments, including Forest, Municipal Administration, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), and Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), will be involved in this tree planting effort.
Suvarna mentioned that HMDA has committed to adopting 150 acres of land on the university campus for this initiative, which includes a 40-acre Botanical Garden.
In a shift towards sustainability, traditional forest species native to Telangana will replace Subabul and Eucalyptus trees on the campus.
Recently, a controversy arose regarding tree cutting on the university grounds, with some students alleging that trees were removed to make way for new saplings.
However, university officials clarified that the removal of environmentally harmful trees is part of a broader initiative to create space for more beneficial plantings.
PJTAU Vice-Chancellor Prof Aldas Janaiah explained that the removal of Subabul and Eucalyptus trees across 150 acres was conducted through a formal auction process as part of the campus's greenery enhancement project.