Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Forest & Environment K. Pawan Kalyan has said that a target has been set to increase the green cover in the State to 50% by 2047.
Emphasising that the Horticulture Department plays a key role in achieving that goal, Mr. Pawan called upon the government departments to move forward in coordination with the Forest Department.
Addressing a review meeting on the activities undertaken to increase the green cover in the State, at the Secretariat on Wednesday, Mr. Pawan Kalyan said the government has contemplated to develop the ‘Great Green Wall of Andhra Pradesh’ as a living ecological shield comprising mangroves, shelterbelt plantations and inland vegetation along the coast to withstand climate-induced risks.
Collective efforts were required to achieve the goal, he said, and stressed the need for the horticulture and other departments to prepare plans to boost soil fertility and farmers’ income.
Mr. Pawan Kalyan also discussed with the officials the steps taken to protect the environment and biodiversity. He suggested that farmers should be encouraged to adopt intercropping and that awareness be raised about the harmful impact of synthetic chemical fertilizers.
