Hyderabad: Telangana’s Forest, Environment, and Endowments Minister, Smt. Konda Surekha, has called for the Vanamahotsavam programme to be celebrated as a true Janamahotsavam to promote environmental awareness and collective responsibility.
The state-wide plantation drive officially began today at Rajendranagar Agricultural University, where Chief Minister Sri Revanth Reddy launched the campaign by planting Rudraksha saplings on Monday (07-07-2025). The event marked the beginning of this year’s green initiative aimed at increasing the state’s green cover and promoting ecological balance.
‘Vriksho Rakshati Rakshitah’
Speaking at the event, Minister Konda Surekha emphasized the need to view nature not just as a resource, but as a part of our cultural and spiritual heritage. “Our tradition teaches us that those who protect trees will, in turn, be protected by them – as the ancient saying goes, ‘Vriksho Rakshati Rakshitah’. Planting and nurturing trees is deeply rooted in Indian culture,” she said.
Minister Surekha expressed her happiness in leading the green movement in her capacity as the State’s Forest and Environment Minister and reiterated the government’s commitment to ecological sustainability under the dynamic leadership of CM Revanth Reddy.
Identify Suitable Lands
She stressed that the Vanamahotsavam programme must be implemented in a structured, target-driven, and well-coordinated manner across all districts. She instructed the Forest Department and allied departments to identify suitable lands well in advance, particularly focusing on using the monsoon season effectively for mass plantation drives.
Additionally, she emphasized the importance of post-plantation care-including regular watering, protection measures, and survival rate monitoring – to ensure that the saplings thrive and contribute to the environment in the long term.
Not a one-day event
Minister Konda Surekha concluded her address by urging people from all walks of life to take part in this noble cause. “Vanamahotsavam should not be limited to a one-day event. It must become a statewide people’s movement – a collective effort to make Telangana greener, cleaner, and more sustainable for future generations,” she said.
The inaugural event witnessed the participation of several dignitaries, including CM Advisor Vem Narender Reddy, Telangana Legistlative Council Chief Whip Patnam Mahender Reddy, MLAs T. Prakash Goud and Kale Yadayya, MP Mallu Ravi, PCCF Dr. Suvarna, Rajendranagar Agricultural University Vice Chancellor Dr. Aldas Janaiah, HMDA Commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmed, and GHMC Commissioner Karnan.