World Environment Day: CM plants saplings, promises 50% green cover for AP by 2047

Amaravati: “Protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility. Every citizen must contribute to the mission of Swachh Andhra. Is it fair to expect clean air without planting trees? Andhra Pradesh will set an example for the nation in environmental protection,” said CM N Chandrababu Naidu, addressing the Vanamahotsavam event on World Environment Day at Ananthavaram in Tulluru Mandal.

He planted saplings with deputy CM Pawan Kalyan in the ADC Park and inspected pollution control stalls set up near the venue.

Target: 50% green cover by 2047

The chief minister said, “It is a matter of great pride to launch the initiative to plant one crore saplings in a single day. By the next Environment Day, we aim to grow 5.58 crore saplings. Currently, Andhra Pradesh has 37,421 sq. km of forest area, which is 23 per cent of the total state area. Including greenery outside forests, the state’s green cover stands at 30.05 per cent. Our goal is to increase this to 50 per cent by 2047. We must become a national role model in greenery.

The previous governments planted trees only for photo-ops. Today, global warming is a serious threat.

Rainfall is declining, groundwater is depleting, agriculture is at risk, and people are falling ill due to fluoride contamination. To escape this crisis, everyone must plant trees.”

CM’s personal commitment to the environment

“In the past, when former chief ministers travelled by helicopter, trees along the roads were cut down for visibility. We ensure trees are protected during our visits. Planting trees is our duty; cutting them down is a crime. In some countries, felling trees without government permission leads to jail.

Whenever Vanajeevi (Forest Man) Ramaiah met me, he brought a sapling. He dedicated his life to raising awareness about tree planting across villages. He is an inspiration. In my childhood, a social activist named Keshava Naidu in our village worked to protect forests. These influences inspired me deeply.

I am glad that the Environment Department, so close to my heart, is now being managed by Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan.”

Seed Rakhi campaign for environmental protection

“Plastic is extremely hazardous—it destroys nature. When animals eat plastic, the milk they produce affects us. Rotten chicken is being used as fish feed. That’s why we are launching the Swachh Andhra initiative focused on environmental conservation.

We have started initiatives to generate power from waste. Waste-to-energy plants have been set up in Guntur and Visakhapatnam. The previous government neglected this area. We utilize 90% of dry urban waste for energy. Compost units are being established in rural areas.

We’ve already set up 157 Reduce-Reuse-Recycle centers in 87 municipalities. By October 2, all 17 municipal corporations will be free from single-use plastic, and by June 5 next year, the entire state will be plastic-free. We will develop urban forests in all 175 constituencies.

Girls should tie Seed Rakhis made from seeds of plants representing their siblings’ birth stars, contributing to environmental well-being.”

Amaravati – The Green Capital of the Future

“TDP, Jana Sena, and BJP together made history in AP, and today marks one year since that historic moment. We are moving from destruction toward rebuilding the state. We’ve initiated innovative programs and are advancing boldly.

Amaravati will be the guiding light for future generations. It is our fortune to live in the capital of the gods. We will develop Amaravati into a beautiful city, introducing Miyawaki-style and international-standard gardens. From a state once struggling with power supply, we’ve now reached a stage where households can generate power from rooftops.

We will provide free 2 KW solar panels for SC/ST families and make Andhra Pradesh a national leader in green energy,” the chief minister said.

K Ankarao appointed as advisor

“On June 21, we will host International Yoga Day in Visakhapatnam under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We aim to organize yoga for 5 lakh people in a single day, and 2 crore people across 1 lakh centers in the state, to set a Guinness World Record.

We will distribute Yoga certificates to 25 lakh people. Yoga must become part of our daily lives. Through AYUSH, we are promoting both online and offline yoga training in every home.

We are appointing Komera Ankarao, who has worked to protect the Nallamala forests, as Advisor to the Forest and Environment Department,” announced CM Naidu.