Earth Day goes hands-on with seed ball drive

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

To mark World Earth Day 2026, the Telangana Forest Development Corporation organised a vibrant programme at the Botanical Garden, Kondapur. The event was led by K Sireesha, Senior Divisional Manager and Assistant Director (Eco-Tourism).

The celebrations began with a plantation drive at 10 am, where staff and regular morning walkers joined in planting saplings. Addressing the gathering, Sireesha said Earth Day should go beyond symbolic celebration and become a daily commitment to environmental protection.

A highlight of the programme was a hands-on seed ball workshop involving walkers and children, aimed at turning awareness into action. Participants prepared seed balls using red soil, compost and water, embedding seeds of native species such as Maddi (Terminalia arjuna), Neeredu (Jamun), Kanuga (Pongamia) and Chilla (clearing nut tree). They were encouraged to take the seed balls home and plant them locally to support biodiversity.

Referring to this year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” she stressed that tackling climate change requires collective action at the grassroots level. She underscored the need to adopt renewable energy sources like solar and wind, while also calling for greater public participation in conservation and environmental decision-making.

The programme concluded with a call for individual responsibility, highlighting that small but consistent lifestyle changes—such as reducing waste and lowering carbon footprints—can drive meaningful impact. Participants pledged to uphold the spirit of Earth Day. The event saw participation from forestry officials, eco-tourism staff, naturalists, and members of the public.