Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to addressing the long-standing concerns of residents in the Kolleru Lake region through a balanced and humane approach, while ensuring environmental conservation.

Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister examined a range of issues surrounding Kolleru — including court judgments, central directives, land rights, and ecological sensitivities. Naidu emphasized the dual objective of delivering justice to nearly three lakh residents living within the lake’s contour zone, while preserving the fragile wetland ecosystem that is crucial for biodiversity.

The Chief Minister underscored the urgent need to resolve land disputes in the region, particularly concerning 20,000 acres of Jirayat and D-Patta lands. “We must ensure justice for the farmers first,” he said, instructing officials to expedite the submission of proposals to the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) and the Supreme Court. “Our action plan must protect both the environment and the livelihoods of locals.”

Naidu recalled that the previous TDP government had taken significant steps in this direction between 2014 and 2019. In 2018, the National Wildlife Board recommended the exclusion of 20,000 acres from the sanctuary, and the state had submitted a proposal for boundary redefinition. However, no progress was made under the subsequent YSRCP government, he noted.

The CM also expressed concern over unchecked pollution in Kolleru, driven by untreated drain water and encroachments along the Upputeru drain — the lake’s natural outlet to the sea. “Kolleru cannot be allowed to become a cesspool,” he warned. “Immediate steps must be taken to desilt drains and remove encroachments on Upputeru to restore natural water flow.” He ordered officials to prepare estimates and begin work without delay, stressing that proper treatment of incoming drain water is essential to prevent further ecological degradation.

In a major environmental initiative, Naidu announced a state-wide tree-planting campaign on June 5 to mark World Environment Day. The ambitious drive targets the plantation of one crore saplings across Andhra Pradesh. He called on ministers, district collectors, and public representatives to participate actively in the initiative. The plantation campaign will focus on educational institutions, hospitals, government offices, bus stations, and roadways, with tree guards to ensure survival.

“We’ve increased green cover from 29% last year to 30.5% this year. Our goal is to reach 37% by 2033 and 50% by 2047,” Naidu said. “We must achieve a 1.5% increase in green cover every year.” He directed officials to use satellite imagery to assess progress and to geo-tag every planted sapling for effective monitoring. To enhance forest development, Naidu encouraged corporate participation under CSR in reserved forest areas. He also proposed the adoption of the Miyawaki afforestation method for rapid greening, particularly in the Amaravati region, promising visible results within three years.