Prioritise afforestation, increasing green cover in Bidar, says Minister

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Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister Ramalinga Reddy interacting with forest officials during his visit to Deva-Deva Vana in Bidar on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy has directed officials to give priority to afforestation and increasing green cover across Bidar district by planting and nurturing trees along roadsides and in vacant spaces on government office premises.

The Minister issued the directions during his visit to the Deva-Deva Vana under the Bidar Regional Forest Division on the outskirts of the city on Wednesday.

He inspected the Panchavati, Japanese Garden, Shiva Panchavati Vana, Rashi Vana, Navaniketana Vana, Nandana Vana, Navagraha Vana and Nandini Vana developed on the premises.

He directed forest officials to ensure that the habitats of birds and animals are not disturbed while developing and maintaining forest areas.

Later, Mr. Reddy visited the Halladakeri Tree Park and plantation and expressed satisfaction over the efforts to grow different varieties of trees and plants. He instructed officials to ensure the safety of the saplings and trees already planted and prevent any damage to them.

He said that increasing the green cover in the district is the responsibility of everyone and called for special programmes to create awareness among the public and students about tree planting and environmental conservation.

“Steps should be taken to water and properly maintain saplings planted along roadsides. We can have a better future only by protecting nature,” he said.

The Minister said that the State government will provide the necessary funds and support to further develop forest areas and beautify tree parks in the district to attract tourists.

He also directed forest officials not to compromise on the quality of development works.

Deputy Conservator of Forests Sumeet Subhashrao Patil, Bidar Social Forestry Division Deputy Conservator of Forests Srinivas Eradoni, Bidar Range Forest Officer Praveen Kumar More, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Bidar Sub-Division, Chandrashekhar Hema, Social Forestry Assistant Conservator of Forests Veeresh Kalyani, Deputy Range Forest Officer Sadanand and other Forest Department officials and personnel were present.

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