Pawan Kalyan launches massive green drive, calls environmental protection a shared responsibility

Pawan Kalyan also announced plans to establish Wood Banks to support traditional artisans dependent on specific tree species for crafts such as Kondapalli toys, Etikoppaka toys and Bobbili veenas

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Deputy Chief Minister and Forests & Environment Minister Pawan Kalyan launched an ambitious environmental campaign on World Environment Day, urging citizens to take collective responsibility for protecting nature and ensuring a sustainable future for coming generations.

Participating in a special programme at the Mylavaram Butterfly Park near Kondapalli in NTR district, Pawan Kalyan inaugurated a state-wide initiative to produce 25 million seed balls, which will be dispersed across Andhra Pradesh during the upcoming monsoon season as part of a large-scale afforestation drive.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister said environmental conservation is no longer an option but a necessity. “Every seed ball we throw has the potential to become a mighty tree. Every tree can act as a shield against climate change. We must work together to build a greener, healthier and climate-resilient Andhra Pradesh,” he said.

Drawing inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, Pawan Kalyan planted a White Poniki sapling in the name of his mother, Anjana Devi. He called upon every citizen to plant at least one tree in their mother’s name and nurture it until it grows into a mature tree. The Deputy Chief Minister said seed balls made from red soil and organic compost would be prepared across all districts until June 15 through a people’s movement involving self-help groups, students, government employees, environmental volunteers and local communities. Advanced drones will also be used to disperse seed balls in inaccessible forest and hill regions.

Highlighting the ecological significance of the initiative, he said increased tree cover would improve air quality, enhance groundwater recharge, conserve biodiversity and help mitigate the effects of climate change.Pawan Kalyan also announced plans to establish Wood Banks to support traditional artisans dependent on specific tree species for crafts such as Kondapalli toys, Etikoppaka toys and Bobbili veenas. He said the initiative aims to preserve both the environment and Andhra Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage.

Calling Padma Shri awardee Vanajeevi Ramaiah an inspiration, the Deputy Chief Minister urged citizens not only to plant trees but also to protect them until they mature into forests.