environment

Andhra Pradesh Gets 18 New Urban Forests: Pawan Kalyan Stresses Need for Green Lungs

Published on: 01 Jul 2026, 03:15 PM

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Environment, Forest and Science & Technology, K. Pawan Kalyan, on Wednesday virtually inaugurated 18 'Nagara Vanams' (urban forests) developed at a cost of ₹36 crore. Speaking from his camp office, he emphasised that such green spaces are essential in cities for recreation, wellness, and ecological balance.

Mr. Pawan Kalyan stated that while development is necessary, it should not come at the cost of nature. He highlighted the need for 'green lung spaces' where residents can breathe fresh air and spend quality time in natural surroundings. The urban forests have been established using state resources and funds from the Central government's Nagara Vana Yojana.

In addition to the urban forests, the Deputy Chief Minister announced the creation of red sanders conservation parks at Koduru, Kailasagiri, and Madanapalle. He also noted that 'Nakshatra Vanams' (star forests) and 'Rasi Vanams' (zodiac forests) are being developed to reflect India's ancient culture and traditional knowledge from a biodiversity perspective.

The event was attended by Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, MLAs Kotla Jaya Surya Prakash Reddy, Gouthu Sirisha, B.V. Jaya Nageswara Reddy, and V. Parthasarathi, along with Principal Secretary (Environment & Forest) Kanthilal Dande, PCCF P.V. Chalapathi Rao, and Forest Department Adviser P. Mallikarjuna Rao.

Source: The Hindu

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