50% greenery by 2047 under Swarna Andhra Vision: Nellore MP

The Hindu

05-06-2025

Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy on Thursday said that the Swarna Andhra Vision is moving forward with a goal of increasing the greenery by 50% in the State by 2047.
Participating in Vanamahotsavam programme organised by the District Forest Department at Nagaravanam Park near Kothur in Nellore Rural mandal, the MP said, 'Today, the biggest problem in the society is air pollution, which can be eliminated only through greenery and cleanliness. On the occasion of World Environment Day, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has called for organising Vanamahotsavam programmes with an aim of planting one crore saplings across the State.'
The MP called on everyone to take responsibility for planting and caring for saplings in schools, hospitals, government offices, homes and vacant lands. Along with In-charge Collector K. Karthik, Municipal Commissioner Y.O. Nandan, District Forest Officer Mahaboob Basha, Mr. Reddy planted saplings during the Vanamahotsavam programme.
Better tomorrow
Mr. Karthik said, 'The As per Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for 'Ek Ped Mom Ka Naam', everyone should plant a sapling in the name of their mother. If we develop a good relationship with plants, they will grow into great trees and provide happiness, health and many other benefits.'
Mr. Basha said that 35 lakh saplings have been prepared under the auspices of the Forest Department. These saplings will be provided to all the people of the district and they should plant them to do their bit for environmental protection.
An awareness rally was also organised with theme 'Ending Plastic Pollution' under the joint auspices of the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) and Nellore Municipal Corporation (NMC). The rally was flagged off by the Incharge Collector at V.R. College Junction. He distributed cloth bags to the participants and suggested that they be used as an alternative to plastic covers.
In a similar programme at Mini Stadium in Ongole, Prakasam District Collector A. Thameem Ansaria, AP Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Dr. Nukasani Balaji and Ongole Mayor Gangada Sujatha planted saplings. Ms. Ansaria said that an action plan has been prepared to plant 4.10 lakh saplings on Thursday and more than 35 lakh saplings across the district this year.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Balaji said, 'The survival of mankind depends on protecting the environment. Keeping this in mind, Emperor Ashoka also had planted saplings on both sides of the roads. We must continue the same.'
Ms. Sujatha said that special attention has been given to increase greenery within Ongole Municipal Corporation limits. Everyone should be aware of the need to protect the environment, she added.
Companies go green
The team of Adani Krishnapatnam Port Limited (AKPL) planted saplings at its premises. Some competitions were conducted by the company's Environment team based on this year's theme 'Beat the plastic pollution'. AKPL Chief Executive Officer Jagdish Patel presented prizes to the winners of various competitions.
The CEO said, 'This particular day joins the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) led 'Beat the plastic pollution' initiative in order to mobilise communities across the globe to implement and advocate for solutions. Everyone should endeavour to refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle and rethink plastic to build a cleaner and more sustainable future,' he said.
SEIL Energy India Limited also celebrated World Environment Day by organising a mega plantation drive at its Supercritical Thermal Power Generation Complex in Nellore to promote environmental sustainability, reduce carbon footprint, and contribute to a greener future. The company has planted more than 1.2 million saplings till date in and around its area of operations.
SEIL Energy's employees, led by Sunil Kumar Gupta, Head - Operations and Maintenance (O&M), came together to plant 1,000 saplings as part of Vanamahotsavam, showcasing the company's commitment to environmental stewardship. The plantation drives not only enhanced the green cover but also underscored the importance of protecting the planet for future generations.
The company reaffirms its dedication to sustainability and environmental conservation, aligning with the United Nations' theme (Ending plastic pollution globally) for World Environment Day. A team of SEIL employees also organised Mypadu Beach cleaning activity under the guidance of APPCB and participated in the green rally in the city.