In a significant push for environmental conservation, Andhra Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has issued urgent directives to fortify the state's extensive coastline and dramatically expand its green cover. Chairing a high-level review with senior forest officials at the Velagapudi secretariat, Kalyan stressed the need for a planned approach to mitigate cyclones and natural disasters along AP's 974-kilometre coast.
War Footing for Green Projects
Pawan Kalyan, who also holds the forest and environment portfolio, instructed the department to prepare a comprehensive route map for two flagship initiatives: the Great Green Wall of Andhra Pradesh and the 50% green cover programme. He mandated that this detailed plan be ready by the end of January, treating the task with utmost priority. A key instruction was to prevent any further encroachment on existing forest lands.
The minister proposed an ambitious plan to develop dense green belts up to 5 kilometres wide along the entire coastline. This would involve planting mangroves, palm trees, and other species resilient to coastal conditions. Officials reported that plantation work is already ongoing along a 402-km stretch with a width of 500 metres. Kalyan called for a detailed study of all remaining lands, including areas under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), forest land, and private holdings, to identify space for expansion.
Phased Implementation and Multi-Departmental Push
The Great Green Wall project is designed to be rolled out in three distinct phases. The first phase will focus on coastal plantations, directly aimed at creating a natural barrier against storms. The second phase will see plantations along canals, roads, and river bends. The final phase will promote agro-forestry in agricultural lands, a move intended to directly benefit the farming community.
Kalyan described the parallel 50% green cover initiative as a personal vision of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, labelling it an ambitious programme for the state. To ensure coordinated execution, a special multi-departmental task force will be formed. This body will include officials from the forest, horticulture, irrigation, and tribal welfare departments, and will operate with set weekly targets and district-level coordination.
Satellite Survey Reveals Unnotified Mangroves
In a crucial revelation, the deputy chief minister shared that recent satellite surveys have identified nearly 10,000 acres of unnotified mangrove forests across Andhra Pradesh. He announced that immediate steps are being taken to formally notify these ecologically vital areas, granting them legal protection from destruction or encroachment.
In a separate development after the review meeting, Pawan Kalyan met with Proddatur MLA Varadarajula Reddy. He confirmed that Rs 10 crore has already been sanctioned for rural roads in the Proddatur constituency under the SASKY scheme, with assurances of more funds based on priority needs.
