AP industries plants 43,300 saplings across 129 acres in flat 14-days

The program is aimed not merely at improving the visual landscape around industrial establishments but at creating a stronger ecological buffer against industrial pollution

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh has stepped up its efforts to balance rapid industrial growth with environmental protection, with 26 industries across the State completing a targeted 33 per cent green-cover program within just 14 days. The special drive was launched following the directions of Deputy Chief Minister and Forest and Environment Minister Pawan Kalyan, who has emphasized that industrial development must go hand in hand with ecological protection.

The initiative was implemented through the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB), with one industry selected from each of the State’s 26 districts in the first phase. The drive began on July 28 and concluded on August 11, with the participating industries collectively planting 43,300 saplings across 129 acres to meet the prescribed green-cover targets. Officials gave priority to native species suited to local soil and climatic conditions, along with fruit-bearing and ornamental plants. Species including neem, pongamia, peepal and jamun were among those planted as part of the greening initiative.

The program is aimed not merely at improving the visual landscape around industrial establishments but at creating a stronger ecological buffer against industrial pollution. Green belts around large industrial units can help improve local air quality, reduce dust and contribute to a healthier environment for surrounding communities. The successful completion of the first phase has now prompted the government to expand the initiative.

Pawan Kalyan has directed Pollution Control Board officials to ensure that the 33 per cent green-cover requirement is implemented rigorously across the remaining industries as well. The State has also set an ambitious target of increasing its overall green cover to 50 per cent, in alignment with the broader Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.