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

Latest in Environment 10

environment

Hawaii Braces for Possible First Direct Hurricane Hit Since 1992

Hurricane Lala, a category one storm, is moving toward Hawaii, prompting warnings and preparations. It could be the first direct hurricane landfall in the state since 1992, with heavy rain and storm surge expected.

BBC News 15 Aug 2026, 09:27 PM

environment

NGT directs TNPCB to fix timeline for IIT-Madras pollution study in Neyveli

The NGT's Southern Bench has ordered TNPCB to issue Terms of Reference to IIT-Madras and set a timeline for a comprehensive pollution study in Neyveli. This follows a technical committee's failure to agree on a consolidated report and earlier divergent findings on mercury levels.

The Hindu 15 Aug 2026, 05:06 PM

environment

Three suspected poachers killed in Hanur forest firing; magisterial inquiry ordered

Three suspected poachers were killed in an alleged encounter with Forest Department personnel in Hanur taluk, Chamarajanagar district, triggering tension and a magisterial inquiry. Forest officials claim they fired in self-defence after the suspects allegedly opened fire; locals and relatives allege the deceased were innocent. The inquiry will examine both the shoot-out and the subsequent ransacking of a forest office.

The Hindu 15 Aug 2026, 03:05 PM

environment

Tamil Nadu students to build nest boxes for sparrows in 50 government schools

The Koodugal Trust, in partnership with Tamil Nadu's School Education Department, will conduct sparrow conservation workshops in 50 government schools across 10 districts from September. Students will learn about sparrow habitats and build nest boxes to help restore declining populations.

The Hindu 15 Aug 2026, 02:16 PM

environment

Munnar's Chokramudi Hills Open to Tourists as Neelakurinji Blooms After 12 Years

Kerala's Chokramudi hills near Munnar will open to tourists from August 24 as Neelakurinji flowers bloom after a 12-year cycle. The Forest Department has fixed entry fees and arranged KSRTC buses, while Meeshapulimala will open later after mass flowering.

The Hindu 15 Aug 2026, 06:43 AM

environment

Nagaland miners' body cautions against blame game in Assam floods

The Tuli Area Coal Mining Contractors' Association has urged restraint in assigning blame for the devastating floods in Assam and landslips in Nagaland. It cited heavy rainfall as a key factor and called for unity between the two northeastern states instead of unverified accusations.

The Hindu 15 Aug 2026, 06:16 AM

environment

Unchecked tourism and eco park put Kannur's Madayipara biodiversity at risk

The ecologically significant laterite plateau of Madayipara in Kannur is under threat from unregulated tourism and an amusement-cum-eco park operating without mandatory permissions. Environmentalists and local activists have intensified protests, citing damage to rare flora and fauna, and are seeking stronger legal measures including conservation reserve status.

The Hindu 15 Aug 2026, 05:17 AM

environment

Shipwreck off Kerala: No major damage to Lakshadweep, but study urges stronger spill preparedness

A study by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management found no measurable ecological or socio-economic damage to Lakshadweep from the MSC Elsa 3 shipwreck. However, it highlighted the islands' vulnerability to maritime accidents and urged stronger preparedness and monitoring systems.

The Hindu 15 Aug 2026, 04:20 AM

environment

CAG Report: Green India Mission Forest Cover Target Missed by Nearly 98%

A CAG report reveals that India's Green India Mission achieved only 0.03 million hectares of forest cover increase against a target of 1.4 million hectares between 2015-16 and 2024-25, a shortfall of nearly 98 per cent. The audit also found poor convergence, financial management, and monitoring issues.

NDTV 14 Aug 2026, 07:44 PM

environment

Mysterious deaths of 10 wild boars in Kasaragod prompt health and forest probe

At least 10 wild boars have been found dead in Vorkady panchayat along the Kerala-Karnataka border, sparking a multi-department investigation. Serum samples have been sent for lab analysis, while residents call for safe disposal of carcasses amid an H1N1 case in the area.

The Hindu 14 Aug 2026, 08:23 PM

→ View All Environment News