Hyderabad: Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao will launch a programme of planting 1 crore saplings at Manchirevulu Tech Forest Park in Hyderabad on August 26. This initiative is part of the Haritha Haram programme, which was launched in 2015 to create a healthier environment for future generations and safeguard biodiversity.
The Haritha Haram programme has been successful in planting 288 crore 48 lakh saplings across Telangana, with an expenditure of Rs. 11,095 crores. It is recognized as the third-largest environmental conservation effort globally. To cater to regional and climatic diversities, 14,864 nurseries have been established across the state. This year, 30.29 crore saplings have been raised with a target of planting 19.29 crore saplings.
Since the inception of Haritha Haram, there has been an 8 percent increase in green cover in Telangana. Afforestation efforts have covered 2.03 lakh acres with block plantations and rejuvenated forests spanning 13.44 lakh acres. Measures such as root stock treatment, kaanturkandakams, forest fire lines, and check dams have been implemented. Even urban regions have witnessed large-scale planting of trees.
As a result of Haritha Haram, Hyderabad has seen a 147% surge in green cover and the establishment of 456 new parks. The city is on track to become a Green Capital. State-wide, extensive avenue plantation and urban park development have taken place. HMDA alone has planted 11 crores 93 lakhs saplings.
Overall, the Haritha Haram programme has transformed Hyderabad into a Green City and achieved ecological equilibrium.
