In a concerted effort to promote an eco-friendly lifestyle and expand green cover, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), in collaboration with the NGOs Shakti Club and Green Climate, organised a seed-ball making programme at Waltair Park near Siripuram on Saturday.The initiative, held as part of Swachhata Pakhwada, saw enthusiastic participation from volunteers, local residents and children, who prepared seed balls, a simple and cost-effective method of supporting reforestation and afforestation.Inaugurating the programme, P. Haribabu, Chief General Manager of HPCL Visakh Refinery, stressed the need for environmental stewardship. He appealed to citizens to adopt sustainable lifestyles and urged every individual to plant and nurture at least 10 saplings.“We must protect our ancient trees, which form the backbone of entire ecosystems. It is our collective responsibility to preserve these natural treasures for future generations,” Mr. Haribabu said. He also underscored the importance of creating environmental awareness among the youth and families.J. V. Ratnam, founding secretary of Green Climate, described forests as the “lungs of Mother Earth”. He cautioned that the continued loss of biodiversity and extinction of species pose a direct threat to human survival.“The responsibility for conservation rests with all of us. Protecting our natural resources is not a choice but a necessity,” Mr. Ratnam said.Revathi, president of Shakti Club, said she was delighted that the organisation had fulfilled its long-cherished goal of contributing to environmental conservation. Published - July 04, 2026 11:08 pm IST