Hyderabad: The state of Telangana is ready to kick off Vana Mahotsavam 2025, aiming to plant 18.03 crore trees across the region. This initiative seeks to involve everyone in a large-scale greening effort.
Environment Minister Konda Surekha held a meeting with top officials from the Forest Department, Municipal Administration, and other departments at the State Secretariat. They discussed how to work together, distribute saplings on time, and get the public involved to meet this year’s target during the monsoon season in June, July, and August.
Minister Konda Surekha emphasized, “Vana Mahotsavam 2025 is not just about planting trees; it’s about making everyone feel responsible for the environment. When communities unite for a greener future, it becomes a movement, not just a campaign.” She underscored the program’s aim to restore harmony between nature and daily life.
From June, tree-planting activities will begin in all districts, mandals, villages, and municipalities. This program is a major green initiative, aiming to become part of community life and institutions. Last year, the state planted 19.04 crore saplings out of a 20.02 crore target, achieving a 95% success rate. This year, they aim for 100% success. The target for 2026 is set at 16.06 crore saplings, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.
Local nurseries will be crucial in growing and distributing saplings, enhancing community participation and ensuring quick access to plants. Officials are tasked with learning from past mistakes by improving planning, execution, and monitoring. The public is encouraged to plant saplings at home, with arrangements to provide specific species as requested.
Minister Surekha stated, “Our goal of 100% plantation is ambitious but achievable through collective effort. Each sapling planted today contributes to ecological justice and climate resilience for the future. We need nature more than it needs us, and this is our opportunity to give back.”
The plantation scheme includes a wide range of plants suited to local environments. These include flowering plants like rose and hibiscus, fruit trees such as custard apple and guava, and traditional species like neem and tamarind. Planting sites include roadsides, lakesides, farms, government buildings, schools, hospitals, and temples, ensuring widespread coverage.
Officials have been urged to speed up the execution of the plan. Tailored strategies will be developed to ensure that the selected species thrive in local soil and climate conditions, enhancing survival rates and ecological benefits.
