550 kilograms of garbage had been collected and sent for recycling and safe disposal

Metro India News | VIKARABAD

In a heartening display of environmental stewardship, a major forest clean-up drive took place today at Ananthagiri Hills, Vikarabad on Sunday. The initiative was led by Deccan Woods and Trails—the eco-tourism arm of the Telangana Forest Development Corporation—in collaboration with the Telangana Forest Department, sustainability partners Elima and Switcheko, and a host of dedicated volunteers.

Over 20 volunteers of all ages trekked through the forest trails, picking up plastic bottles, food wrappers, disposable plates, and other waste that had been marring the pristine beauty of the region. By the end of the day, 550 kilograms of garbage had been collected and sent for recycling and safe disposal.

Ananthagiri Hills, one of Telangana’s most cherished green escapes and the closest forest retreat to Hyderabad, witnessed a meaningful transformation—free, at least in part, from the grip of plastic pollution. The effort was a strong reminder that small, collective actions can make a big impact.

This clean-up drive was held as part of Vanamahotsavam Week, adding deeper significance to the occasion. To mark the event and honor the spirit of participation, the Telangana Forest Department gifted each volunteer a native tree sapling—a symbolic gesture for a greener future.

Notable participants included Vikarabad FRO Shyam, FSO Aruna, Projects Manager Suman, Head Naturalist Akhil, FBO Srija, Switcheko Director Akshay Desh Pandey, Vishnu, Elima’s Kashyap and Koushik, Junior Naturalist Narsimha, and several Beat Officers and Base Camp staff.

Together, they gave the forest room to breathe again.