Latest news with #Vanamahotsavam


The Hindu
4 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Take steps for protection of wetlands, officials of Annamayya district told
Annamayya district is spruced up for World Environment Day on June 5, giving top priority to a massive tree plantation drive, wetland protection initiatives, and bolstering the forest cover. District Collector Sridhar Chamakuri on Friday directed the heads of all the departments to be prepared to contribute their mite for the success of the mega event. The Collector was addressing a review meeting with the officials of the forest, agriculture, and horticulture departments at the Collectorate here. Mr. Sridhar discussed the action plan for Environment Day activities with the officials, and the key subjects included conducting the Vanamahotsavam events across the district, identification and protection of the wetlands. The forest officials informed the Collector that the Annamayya district was home to a good number of wetland belts. Members of the Wetlands Committees across the district were advised to submit their reports promptly to chalk out the conservation strategies. The Collector observed that all departments must submit their action plans to ensure the success of World Environment Day events. 'The event should not only focus on the celebrations but also produce a tangible spirit that could make a lasting impact by galvanising the green cover and conservation of all the existing eco-systems,' the official said. Joint Collector Aadarsh Rajendran, District Forest Officer Jagannath Singh, and representatives of the NGOs attended the meeting.

The Hindu
6 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Tirupati DFO stresses on native plant varieties for better green cover
District Forest Officer (Tirupati) P. Vivek on Wednesday emphasised on the need to plant native varieties to ensure a harmonious development of greenery in the district. At the launch of Vanamahotsavam, annual mass plantation drive, at the Divyaramam Eco Park near Kapilatheertham, the DFO unveiled an ambitious plan to plant five lakh native varieties. Mr. Vivek said, 'Native varieties have protected our soil, water, and life for centuries. Local communities, volunteers and nature lovers must take responsibility for safeguarding these trees'. Describing the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve as a harmonious blend of spirituality and nature, Mr. Vivek highlighted the forest department's initiatives like environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, restoration and awareness. 'Native plants such as terminalia bellirica (Tani), albizia amara (usiri), pterocarpus marsupium (red sandalwood), syzygium cumini (neredu) are being planted during forest expansion drives, as they have been a natural part of the region's ecosystem for centuries and play a vital role in the ecological balance', he said. The DFO pointed out that invasive foreign species like prosopis juliflora and lantana camara were being eradicated and controlled in view of their harmful impact on native biodiversity. The DFO urged the public to take part in the drive and plant their favourite native sapling on important days and events. Responding to the DFO's call, senior journalist and nature enthusiast P. Ramachandra Reddy planted a Kadamba plant marking his 65th birthday. Trekkers, nature lovers and morning walkers took part in the drive in large numbers.