Minister for Roads and Buildings BC Janardhan Reddy on Monday (June 01) kick-started the plantation drive held at Bathulurupadu on the Banaganapalle bypass. The Nandyal unit of AP Pollution Control Board (APPCB) initiated the plantation drive ahead of the World Environment Day to be observed on June 5.Residents of Banaganapalle — farmers, youth, as well as leaders and activists from the ruling alliance parties — participated in the event. On the occasion, the Minister inspected the jute bags designed and produced by the APPCB. He urged the public to utilise the eco-friendly and high quality jute bags as part of the efforts to make a plastic-free society.Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Janardhan Reddy said the rising pollution levels and reduction in greenery are leading to severe drought-like conditions. “In the recent times, we have been witnessing extreme weather phenomena. All the citizens must come forward and cooperate by taking up tree-planting as a mass movement. If every individual plants just one sapling, these will grow into trees, transforming the entire State into a vast forest,” he said.The Minister recalled that during his birthday celebrations, he planted saplings at the Banaganapalle Government Hospital and up to 70% of them have survived. “We are nurturing the saplings planted along the roadsides. Planting a sapling is not enough. People must also take full responsibility for their protection and upkeep,” he said.The Minister also participated in the disbursement of pensions to beneficiaries in Mudigedu village in Sanjamala mandal. Mr. Janardhan Reddy went door-to-door and disbursed pensions to the beneficiaries personally.The Minister sought the public feedback on various issues, including local civic problems, infrastructure facilities, and the overall performance of the government.He also inaugurated development works worth ₹30 lakh in the village which include internal concrete roads constructed at a cost of ₹10 lakh covering the stretch from the bus stand to the main road and extending into other streets within Mudigedu village. Published - June 01, 2026 04:35 pm IST