‘Haritha Haram will have ecological, economic benefits in future’
Hyderabad: The continuous efforts of the State government towards making Telangana a green State has already helped increase the amount of tree cover in the State from 24 to 33 per cent. Now, with the launch of Haritha Nidhi, the government is aiming at effective implementation of the Telangana ku Haritha Haram programme.
Shedding light on how Haritha Haram has rejuvenate degraded forests in the State, C Achlendra Reddy, Director, Centre for Innovation in Public System (CIPS), and a former IFS officer who has worked in several States including Arunachal Pradesh, Goa and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, says, “Haritha Nidhi is an icing on the top of Haritha Haram cake. Main toh fida ho gaya (I am completely impressed).”
“Telangana was a dry State for several years. In fact, we have seen severe drought conditions in the State, which also was a major concern for the farmers. However, Haritha Haram has not only rejuvenated our forests but has also made several other places, including roadside avenues, river and canal banks, barren hills, institutional premises, religious places, colonies, municipalities and even industrial parks a lot greener. I think one of the biggest reasons for the success of this programme was that the government involved citizens in it. People were asked to plant saplings and take care of them. The government also roped in several public figures, including politicians, actors and sportspersons, which increased the popularity of this programme,” Reddy said.
Haritha Haram has successfully replenished the forest blocks around major cities in the State, which act as urban lung spaces. The former IFS officer shares that these programmes will have several ecological and economic benefits in the future.
“There is greenery across Telangana. The pollution has significantly reduced. Also the trees have helped in replenishing the ground water in major cities. Not just that, these trees have protected several areas during flash floods. The flora and fauna too has increased. I feel that the Haritha Haram team can look into collaborating with the Tourism Ministry and promote eco-tourism. The greenery, historic places and pleasant weather conditions of Telangana are great to attract national and international tourists,” he concludes.
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