In a major step toward ecological restoration and climate resilience, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday formally launched ‘Vana Mahotsavam’, an ambitious statewide plantation drive targeting the planting of 18.03 crore saplings during the ongoing monsoon season.
The initiative was inaugurated at Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) in Rajendranagar, Ranga Reddy district. Accompanied by Forest and Environment Minister Konda Surekha and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) C. Suvarna, the Chief Minister symbolically planted a sapling at the Botanical Garden on campus.
“Trees Will Protect You If You Protect Them”
Speaking at the event, CM Revanth Reddy emphasized the critical role of afforestation in combating global warming and ensuring environmental sustainability. He urged every household to plant at least two saplings and called on women to nurture them like their own children.
“If you protect trees, trees will protect you,” he said, reinforcing the emotional and environmental value of the plantation drive.
Women at the Heart of Green Leadership
Highlighting the role of women in environmental protection, the Chief Minister linked the plantation drive to the broader vision of women’s empowerment in Telangana. He outlined his government’s efforts to encourage women entrepreneurship and political participation, citing initiatives aimed at fostering self-respect and leadership.
Looking ahead to the expansion of Assembly constituencies from 119 to 153, Revanth Reddy reaffirmed his commitment to implementing 33% reservation for women, resulting in at least 51 women MLAs. “I take full responsibility for ensuring 60 tickets go to women candidates,” he declared.
A Statewide Green Push
According to PCCF C. Suvarna, the Vana Mahotsavam programme is designed to expand forest cover, improve biodiversity, and promote native flora. She stated that government departments—including the Forest Department, Municipal Administration, GHMC, and HMDA—are mobilized for coordinated action.
A key part of the initiative includes the adoption of 150 acres on the PJTSAU campus by HMDA, with 40 acres dedicated to the Botanical Garden. In a move to promote ecological balance, non-native species like Subabul and Eucalyptus are being replaced by indigenous forest species suited to Telangana’s ecosystem.
Tree Felling Controversy Addressed
The event also addressed concerns raised a day earlier regarding the cutting of existing trees on the university campus. Some students had alleged that healthy trees were being felled unnecessarily. Clarifying the situation, PJTSAU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Aldas Janaiah explained that the removal of certain species—primarily Subabul and Eucalyptus—was done through a formal auction process, as these trees were deemed environmentally harmful.
He added that the step was part of a scientifically designed plan to reforest the land with high-value native species, contributing to long-term sustainability and greenery development on campus.
