Telangana CM Revanth Reddy plants sapling, launches Vanamahotsavam program at Gurramguda
Rangareddy, June 18
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched the annual Vanamahotsavam plantation program on Thursday by planting a sapling at the Gurramguda Eco Park. The Chief Minister reviewed the Gurramguda Eco Park photo exhibition.
According to a release from the Telangana Chief Minister's Office, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched the Vanamahotsavam program by planting a sapling at Gurramguda Eco Park. The CM viewed the Gurramguda Eco Park photo exhibition.
Ministers Konda Surekha, Sridhar Babu, Legislative Council Chief Whip Patnam Mahender Reddy, MLAs Malreddy Ranga Reddy, Veerlapalli Shankar, former MP Madhu Yaskhi, and senior officials of the forest department attended the event, as per the statement.
The Forest Festival being inaugurated today in Gurramguda holds special significance. It is not merely a tree-planting program. It is the fruition of a resolve born from the determination to become "a tree," emerging from the memories of yesterday's destructive events, Reddy said.
"Encroachment of lakes, bulldozers on forest lands... as a result, a drizzle would plunge Hyderabad into turmoil... This was the scene under the previous regime. The protection of lakes, restoration of wetlands, fighting legal battles in courts over forest lands and securing victories, the sacred effort to transform Hyderabad into an environmentally conscious city... This is the scene under today's governance," the Telangana CM said.
In a post on X, the CM stated "When I visited Gurramguda as Malkajgiri MP during the floods in 2021, the Forest Festival taking place today in the Gurramguda forest lands is the realization of the thought born from the anguish that arose in my heart. After the people's government assumed responsibilities, by waging legal battles against encroachers, protecting forest lands, and striving to shape the city into an area where people live amidst forests, the Gurramguda Forest Festival being held today serves as an example of our efforts."
The southwest monsoon entered Telangana on June 8 as per the India Meteorological Department.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Nice initiative but I wish they'd focus on actual tree survival rates too. In the past, many such programs have seen saplings die within months due to lack of watering. Also, can we talk about how the previous government also had tree-planting drives? Let's not make everything political. Better to show real results than just digs at the past regime. Still, better late than never for our environment! 🌿
As someone who works in environmental science, it's good to see state-level leadership taking reforestation seriously. Monsoon season is the perfect time for such drives in Telangana - the saplings have higher survival rates with natural rainfall support. The mention of legal battles to protect forest lands is particularly encouraging. But the real test will be in 5-10 years when we see actual canopy cover increase.
I'm a Malkajgiri resident and I appreciate CM acknowledging the 2021 floods - that was a nightmare. But let's be real - one sapling planting by a CM doesn't solve Hyderabad's urban flooding issues. We need comprehensive drainage systems and stricter laws against encroaching on lakes. The photo exhibition is a nice touch for awareness though. Hope this isn't just pre-election greenwashing 🙏
This is a step in the right direction! I've visited Gurramguda Eco Park and it's a beautiful green space. In a time when climate change is affecting everyone, such initiatives matter. I just hope the government also involves local communities in maintaining these forests - people power can go a long way. Also, good to see ministers from various departments attending - shows cross-departmental cooperation.
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