Hyderabad: Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Danasari Anasuya, popularly known as Seethakka, urged people to protect forests and plant more trees during World Environment Day celebrations in Mulugu district.
She participated in a plantation programme at Incharla Eco Park under the Praja Palana–Pragati Pranalika 99-Day Action Plan.
Chief Conservator of Forests B. Prabhakar, Collector Borkhade Hemant Sahadeorao, SP Sudheer Ramnath Kekan, DFO Vikas Meena and ITDA Project Officer Lenin Utsal Toppo attended the programme.
Seethakka said trees were essential for human survival and described greenery as the source of life and clean air.
World Environment Day programme highlights forest conservation
Addressing a meeting, the minister said Mulugu has one of the largest forest covers in the state.
She noted that forests cover about 77 per cent of Mulugu Assembly constituency and 64 per cent of the district.
Seethakka expressed concern over indiscriminate tree felling and warned that shrinking forests could threaten ecological balance and human survival.
She asked officials to create greater public awareness about the benefits of forests and environmental protection.
The minister said Mulugu had emerged as a major tourist destination because of its dense forests, temples and lakes.
She also advised officials and village sarpanches to work together to protect forest areas.
Seethakka suggested reviving forest protection committees wherever necessary.
She urged people to reduce plastic usage and take part in plantation activities during the monsoon season.
Later, the minister visited a photo exhibition organised by the Forest Department on biodiversity conservation, forest wealth and wildlife protection.