Set up Greening Society in A.P. by July 3, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan tells officials

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Environment, Forest, and Science & Technology, K. Pawan Kalyan has directed the officials to establish the proposed Greening Society by July 3 and strictly adhere to the Presidential Order of 2025 in implementing its rules, making appointments and carrying out the operational procedures.

He ordered that the establishment of the Greening Society be given a top priority, as it was a significant step towards increasing green cover in the State to 50%.  

Addressing a review meeting with the Forest Department officials on Thursday, Mr. Pawan Kalyan said steps should be taken to develop a nursery in every Gram Panchayat and if it was not possible, common nurseries should be set up in clusters of three or four panchayats each.

He noted that the nursery cultivation was being integrated with the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G). The funds and labour days available under VB-G RAM G should be utilised effectively for developing the nurseries on a large scale in the rural areas. 

The Forest Department officials informed Mr. Pawan Kalyan that 2.60 crore seed balls had been prepared for distribution across the State during the monsoon season as part of the environment protection and afforestation drive. 

Mr. Pawan Kalyan suggested that the seed ball dispersal should be done, with the involvement of the public as the goal could not be achieved by the government employees alone.

He expressed happiness over the special measures taken by the Forest Department to protect rare and endangered plant species. 

The officials said a highly rare and endangered species of bamboo (Bambusa andhricum) with only 10 plants remaining along the Pamuleru stream in Maredumilli forest region, was identified through extensive field and scientific research. 

The Deputy CM also appreciated the efforts being made to cultivate and conserve Cycas seshachalamensis, a plant resembling a date palm found only in the Seshachalam forests, which is on the verge of extinction.

Principal Secretary Kanthilal Dande, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests P.V. Chalapathi Rao, Forest Department advisor Mallikarjuna Rao, Chief Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry & Zoological Parks) B.N.N. Murthy and CCF (Wildlife) N. Nageswara Rao were among those present in the meeting.