HYDERABAD: As part of a state-wide ‘Haritha Haram’ tree plantation programme, Telangana government has launched an ambitious program to plant 25 lakh saplings in a single day. Chief Minister KCR kick started the plantation programme on a positive note in Greater Hyderabad on Monday, by watering a sapling inside the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS).

People from different walks of life turned out in large numbers to make the mega plantation drive a huge success. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan, Greater Hyderabad Mayor B. Rammohan, state ministers, public representatives, celebrities, employees, industrialists, NGOs and eminent people from various walks of life participated in ‘Haritha Haram’ programme.

Men, women and children actively took part in the plantation in the premises of government and private institutions, universities, colleges, parks and colonies in 7,257 square km under the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) limits. As many as 29.19 lakh saplings were planted on a single day at 4,100 locations across the city.

Officials said over 100 NGOs and other organisations participated in Monday’s programme. Tollywood celebrities like Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Rajendra Prasad, All Arjun, Daggubati Rana, Manchu Vishnu and Manchu Lakshmi were among those who took part in Haritha Haram.

“Together with the amazing support of Hyderabadis, we’ve been able to exceed our target of 25 lakh plantation in 10 hours,” said IT Minister K.T. Rama Rao.

The CM instructed officials to ensure that saplings are planted on footpaths, government lands, colleges and on both sides of highways.

After planting saplings at BHEL, Governor ESL Narasimhan said that apart from planting the saplings, citizens should ensure that the trees survive. ‘’People who plant trees should also take responsibility to ensure their proper growth.”

This mega plantation drive aims at increasing the green cover of Telangana from existing 24 % to around 33 % over the next five years.