logo
Hyderabad's Green Leap: Mayor calls for city-wide tree plantation drive

Hyderabad's Green Leap: Mayor calls for city-wide tree plantation drive

Hans India17-07-2025
Hyderabad: In a significant push for a healthier and greener urban environment, GHMC Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, along with GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan, officially launched a massive tree plantation drive as part of the VanaMahotsavam initiative. The drive commenced with the planting of saplings at Shirdi Hills Colony in the Kukatpally Zone, marking the start of an ambitious project to plant 25 lakh (2.5 million) saplings across Greater Hyderabad.
Inspired by the 'Green Legacy' concept, the Mayor has urged all citizens to actively participate in transforming the city. 'We have set a target of planting 25 lakh saplings this year with public participation, as per government directives,' stated Mayor Vijayalakshmi. She further emphasised that saplings would be distributed to every household in the city, encouraging residents to take an active role in the initiative throughout the planting season.
A heartwarming aspect of the campaign is the slogan 'Ek ped, Maa ke naam' (One tree in the name of mother), encouraging individuals to plant a tree in honour of their mothers. The Mayor underscored the crucial importance of not just planting trees but also ensuring their proper care, highlighting that these efforts would cultivate a healthier environment for future generations.
Commissioner Karnan reiterated the programme's objective to make Hyderabad green, stressing that the government's goals would be achieved by setting specific VanaMahotsavam targets within each ward. He also laid emphasis on nurturing the planted saplings, stating that 'greater emphasis will be placed on nurturing the plants rather than merely planting them.'
The launch event saw enthusiastic participation from students, who chanted 'Go Green' slogans alongside the Mayor and Commissioner, underscoring community involvement in this vital environmental endeavour. Also present were Kukatpally Zonal Commissioner Apurva Chauhan, UBD Additional Commissioner Subhadra Devi, and Corporator RavulaSeshagiri Rao.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

WhatsApp number for sanitation complaints
WhatsApp number for sanitation complaints

The Hindu

time12 hours ago

  • The Hindu

WhatsApp number for sanitation complaints

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has come up with a social media platform for the citizens to register their grievances with regard to sanitation issues. Complaints regarding construction and demolition debris, and garbage accumulation on roads may be registered on the WhatsApp number 81259 66586, a statement from GHMC informed. This facility has been provided to simplify the grievance registration for the citizens, it said. Complaints pertaining to debris, overflowing garbage bins, and garbage accumulation at a particular point may be posted on the WhatsApp, along with photos and location details. Earlier, My GHMC app was the only official channel to register the complaints, apart from unofficial social media platforms such as X.

SCR, GHMC agree to resolve pending ROB/RUB works
SCR, GHMC agree to resolve pending ROB/RUB works

The Hindu

time2 days ago

  • The Hindu

SCR, GHMC agree to resolve pending ROB/RUB works

The SCR and GHMC officials have resolved to expedite pending issues with regard to land acquisition and utilities shifting for taking up Ranigunj Road-Under-Bridge (RUB), Sanathnagar RUB, additional ROB (Road Over Bridge) at Fatehnagar, RUB at Gundlapochamplly and RUB at Malkajgiri at a coordination meeting held here on Wednesday. DRM-Secunderabad R. Gopalakrishnan and GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan participated in the meeting with their respective officials to discuss on the elimination of level crossings (LCs) within the GHMC area as they contribute to traffic congestion and train safety. It was decided to eliminate these LCs through the construction of grade separators within the GHMC limits. The drainage issues at Hyderabad Yard, Moula Ali yard, and Hafizpet yard, where direct discharge of drain water onto the railway tracks has been causing track flooding during the monsoon was also highlighted. Officials from both sides are to inspect these locations, and undertake necessary measures to mitigate the issue, said a press release.

Is public art in Hyderabad losing its local touch?
Is public art in Hyderabad losing its local touch?

The Hindu

time3 days ago

  • The Hindu

Is public art in Hyderabad losing its local touch?

Busy junctions, bridges, quiet neighbourhoods and flyover walls across Hyderabad are turning into canvases for public art. From murals inspired by Nature and education to portraits of sports icons, everyday heroes and the city's historic landmarks, there's plenty to take in. These open-air galleries brighten up the urban landscape and bring art closer to the public. But not everyone is convinced — some feel the murals are more decorative than meaningful. It is all part of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation's (GHMC) ongoing beautification drive. City-based artist and curator Aman Preet Kaur raises a pertinent question: Is public art in Hyderabad losing its direction? 'Each piece of public art is a chance to connect with the community. But this potential often goes untapped,' she says. Take the murals along Road No. 45, Jubilee Hills — large depictions of a monkey, frog, hen and deer. For Aman, these feel random. 'What's the idea behind these animals staring from the pillars? In contrast, look at the Masab Tank flyover. It features tile murals of the Charminar, unique rocks of the city and HITEC City showcasing a blend of tradition and modernity. These offer context, relevance, and a bit of local history. Even a visitor can get a sense of Hyderabad's heritage.' Of care and maintenance As the GHMC continues to spruce up the city with mural art, one cannot help but wonder about its long-term sustainability. Can this wave of beautification hold up without proper care and maintenance? Take for instance the batik art created by artist Yasala Balaiah, son of the late, reputed batik artist of the same name, for the World Telugu Conference in 2017. The dull walls near Ravindra Bharathi, opposite the Assembly, were once brought to life with 25 vibrant murals celebrating Telangana's culture and everyday life. Seven years on, the picture has changed. Harsh summers and the elements have taken their toll; the colours are faded, and the murals have lost their charm. Who is responsible for upkeep? Will GHMC step in, or should the company that executed the project be held accountable? Senior artist and Iconart Gallery founder Avani Rao Gandra shares a similar view. She points to sculptures like The Thinker near Narsingi Circle, metal works in the Gachibowli traffic islands, and the stylised animals near IKEA. While they enhance the visual experience, she feels they miss a larger opportunity. 'Art that reflects Telangana's heritage like Nakashi, Kondapalli, or Bidri placed near cultural hubs, or contemporary pieces that echo the spirit of a fast-changing city, could help turn Hyderabad into a city that tells its own story,' she says. 'What we need is a thoughtful mix of the historical and the present.' Over the years, public art has steadily grown across the city. Steel sculptures and metal installations at traffic junctions have become more common but few carry any form of credit. 'These works would have more impact if they were site-specific or interactive,' adds Aman Preet. She also points to Floating Rocks, installed at Moazzam Jahi Market four years ago — a replica of a piece by the late Egyptian sculptor Smaban Abbas: 'There's no mention of the original artist. If we can't create something new, at least we should acknowledge the source.' Artist duo Swathi and Vijay have been using street art to spotlight social issues for over a decade in Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. Their recent work in Tellapur addresses child begging and exploitation. For Swathi, originality is key: 'Authentic work gets noticed, whether it's on a main road or a backstreet. Even a simple flower rendered in an artist's unique style feels more compelling than something lifted from Pinterest.' Credit remains a tricky issue, especially for murals where several artists work together. But for sculptures and installations, Aman Preet believes tagging is possible and necessary. 'Every public artwork, even if it's a replica, deserves a label, naming the artist and offering some context. It builds awareness and creates a space for deeper engagement,' she says. 'We could begin with the striking stone sculptures displayed along Raj Bhavan Road from the international sculpture symposium.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store