Going Green

■ Currently, forests cover 23% of the state’s area

■ State’s target is to increase green cover to 37% by 2029 and 50% by 2047

■ Chief Minister promised to transform Amaravati into a model green capital with Miyawaki-style gardens

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan jointly launched a massive afforestation initiative, pledging to transform the state into a model of sustainable development and environmental responsibility. The leaders participated in a Van Mahotsavam event at ADC Park in Ananthavaram, planting saplings and unveiling a wide-ranging green agenda for the state.

CM Chandrababu Naidu announced the state’s target of increasing green cover to 37% by 2029 and 50% by 2047. “Those who don’t grow trees cannot expect clean air,” he said, emphasizing collective responsibility in combating climate change. He launched a state wide drive to plant one crore saplings in a single day and committed to nurturing 5.58 crore plants by next year.

 Currently, forests cover 23% of the state’s area, which, including non-forest greenery, totals 30.05%. “We will lead the country in environmental stewardship. Andhra Pradesh must set a national example,” the CM said. He also criticized previous administrations for limiting environmental activities to photo-ops, while warning of serious threats like groundwater depletion and rising fluoride levels.

Chandrababu described the Environment Department as close to his heart, recalling how trees were once cut down for VIP convoys and vowing that such days are over. He praised environmental crusaders like Vanajeevi Ramayya and announced the appointment of Kommera Ankaravu, known as the "Forest Man of Andhra", as Environmental and Forests Advisor to the state.

Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s clean energy goals, the Chief Minister promised to transform Amaravati into a model green capital with Miyawaki-style gardens and urban forests in all 175 constituencies. “From a time without electricity, we’ve reached a stage where your rooftops generate solar power,” he said. Free solar panels up to 2 kW will be provided for SC/ST households, and energy plants are being established in Guntur and Visakhapatnam to convert dry waste into electricity. Additionally, the government plans to eliminate single-use plastics by June 2026 and is already operating 157 “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” centers in 87 municipalities.