AP budget 2022: To improve green cover, create sustainable living space, AP allots Rs. 685.36 cr
Amidst the environmental concern over the Polavaram project and Rayalseema Lift Irrigation Project being developed by the government comes this increased allocation of around 60% compared to the previous year.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 11 March 2022 2:58 PM GMT
Amaravati: Amidst the environmental concern over the Polavaram project and Rayalseema Lift Irrigation Project being developed by the government, the Andhra Pradesh finance minister Buggana Rajendernath proposed an allocation of Rs. 685.36 crore for the environment, forest, science, and technology department in 2022- 23, an increase of around 60% compared to the previous year.
In 2021-23, the government had proposed Rs. 428.59 crore for the environment, forest, science, and technology department.
Stating that Andhra Pradesh is endowed with rich biodiversity and the recorded forest area in the state is about 23% of the geographical area, the minister said, "Our government envisages the improvement of the green cover to 33% of the geographical area in conformity with the National Forest Policy 1988, and to create a sustainable living space for the citizens."
He said that during this year, a massive plantation drive under Jagananna Pachhathoram was carried out by planting 9.39 crore seedlings and involving all departments, people from all walks of life, and by converging funds from CAMPA, MGNREGS, state development schemes, and Centrally-sponsored schemes. "As a result of this effort, it is a matter of pride that Andhra Pradesh stood first in India with the highest increase in green cover by 647 square km as per the India State of Forest Report 2021 released recently," he added.
He said that the state government envisages developing climate-resilient cities by managing and expanding lung spaces in urban and peri-urban areas for smart, clean, and healthy cities.
It should be recalled that the Polavaram Irrigation Project, which is one of the mammoth irrigation projects in the state and got national project status, has caused many environmental and social concerns. On 16 February, the Centre kept the 'stop work order' related to Polavaram multipurpose project in abeyance till 2 July 2023.
According to the finance minister, the project is progressing as per schedule and is expected to be completed by 2023. The work of constructing rehabilitation and resettlement colonies is also going on simultaneously with brisk progress for the rehabilitation of Project Displaced Families (PDF).
