Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan participating in World Environment Day celebrations at Anathavaram in Guntur district on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced an ambitious plan to increase the green cover in the State to 37% by 2029 and 50% by 2047, saying that “those who do not plant trees have no right to expect clean air.”

Participating in World Environment Day celebrations at ADC Park in Ananthavaram village of Thullur mandal in Guntur district on Thursday, Mr. Naidu emphasised the collective responsibility of all citizens in safeguarding the environment.

Komera Ankarao appointed adviser

Mr. Naidu appointed Komera Ankarao, popularly known as ‘Andhra Forest Man’, who has been working to protect Nallamala forests, as Adviser to the Forest and Environment Department. “His (Mr. Ankarao) grassroots conservation efforts and awareness campaigns are inspirational, and his role will be pivotal in guiding the State’s green mission,” Mr. Naidu said.

The Chief Minister, joined by Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, launched a massive one-crore tree plantation drive and pledged to raise 5.58 crore saplings by the Environment Day next year.

Highlighting the urgency of combating global warming, Mr. Naidu noted, “Rainfall has declined, groundwater is depleting, agriculture is at risk, and fluoride-related health issues are rising. Trees are our only rescue.”

Seed Rakhi

Mr. Pawan Kalyan, who holds the Environment portfolio, emphasised the importance of citizens’ participation and awareness among the youth. “We are starting innovative campaigns such as ‘Seed Rakhi’ to involve young girls in environmental protection,” he said. He also assured the creation of urban forests in all 175 Assembly constituencies and efforts to eliminate single-use plastic across the State by June 2026.

Currently, Andhra Pradesh has a green cover of 30.05%, with forest areas spanning 23% of the State’s landmass. Mr. Naidu noted that past regimes had planted trees only for ‘photo opportunities’, while the current administration is committed to bringing in a measurable impact.

Green capital

The Chief Minister also revealed plans to transform Amaravati into a green, futuristic capital, introducing Miyawaki gardens, renewable energy projects, and free 2-kilowatt solar panels for SC and ST households. Waste-to-energy plants in Guntur and Visakhapatnam, and 157 Reduce-Reuse-Recycle (RRR) centres across 87 municipalities are already operational.

Mr. Naidu concluded by announcing that International Yoga Day, on June 21, would be held under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Visakhapatnam, aiming to set a Guinness World Record with participation from more than 2 crore people across the State.