Vana Mahotsavam 2025: Telangana to plant 18.03 crore saplings

Hyderabad: Telangana is targeting to plant 18.03 crore saplings during Vana Mahotsavam 2025.

This drive is aimed at improving forest cover in the state.

Minister of Environment & Forests, Endowments Konda Surekha held a comprehensive review of the preparations at the State Secretariat with senior officials from the Forest Department, Municipal Administration, and allied departments recently.

The focus was on ensuring inter-departmental coordination, timely distribution of saplings, and active public engagement to ensure this year’s target is fully met during the peak monsoon months of June, July, and August.

"Vana Mahotsavam 2025 is not just about planting trees — it's about planting a sense of responsibility in every citizen. When communities come together for a greener tomorrow, it becomes more than a campaign — it becomes a movement. We are not just increasing forest cover; we are restoring the balance between nature and our daily lives,” said Minister Konda Surekha, highlighting the vision behind this year’s programme.

Massive Plantation Drive to Begin in June

Plantation drives will be rolled out across all districts, mandals, villages, and municipalities starting from June. The program is being treated as a flagship green initiative, with special efforts to integrate it into community routines and institutional landscapes.

With 19.04 crore saplings planted in 2024 out of the 20.02 crore target (a 95% success rate), the state aims to hit the 100% benchmark this year. The target for 2026 has already been set at 16.06 crore saplings, reflecting a long-term vision for environmental sustainability.

Strengthening Local Nurseries and Community Participation

To achieve scale and inclusivity, village-level nurseries will play a key role in raising and distributing saplings locally. This decentralized model is intended to boost community involvement and ensure timely access to plant material.

Officials have been instructed to rectify past mistakes through improved planning, tighter execution, and stronger monitoring mechanisms. The public is being encouraged to plant saplings at home, with arrangements in place to meet specific species requests from citizens.

“Our goal of 100% plantation is ambitious, but not impossible, because it is rooted in collective effort. Every sapling planted today is a step towards ecological justice and climate resilience for future generations. Nature doesn’t need us, we need nature. This is our chance to give back and grow forward — together,” Minister Surekha added.

Species Selection and Thematic Plantation

The plantation plan features a rich variety of species tailored to local ecological conditions.

Flowering plants for homes and neighbourhoods:

Rose

Hibsicus

Oleander

Fruit-bearing trees like custard apple, guava, amla, black plum, and drumstick

Traditional and medicinal species

Neen

Tamarind

Soapnut

Toddy palm

Tulsi

Date palm

Sites identified for plantation include roadsides, lake bunds, agricultural fields, government institutions, schools, hospitals, temples, and anganwadis, ensuring a wide geographical and social footprint.

With the monsoon setting in earlier than usual, officials have been asked to fast-track implementation.