Environmental activism reached new heights in West Bengal’s Sundarbans as 10,000 mangrove plants found new life on KCR’s 72nd birthday. The event in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta celebrates the Telangana stalwart’s pioneering role in making greenery a governance priority.
KCR, founder of Telangana, embedded environmental protection into the state’s DNA through Haritha Haram. Crores of trees later, Telangana boasts enhanced green cover, replenished aquifers, conserved biodiversity, and a blueprint for eco-friendly progress that other states emulate.
Under Joginapalli Santosh Kumar’s stewardship, the drive extends the Green India Challenge’s legacy. Initiated in 2018, it has achieved staggering feats: 195 million trees planted, 20,000+ ponds rejuvenated, mobilizing everyone from youth to civic groups across India.
Sundarbans’ mangroves are under siege from relentless cyclones— Aila to Sitrang—exacerbated by salinity creep and unpredictable monsoons. These forests are crucial for storm protection, wave attenuation, and harboring diverse species, yet their depletion threatens ecological balance.
On February 17, enthusiastic planters—students, residents, and leaders—infused the mangroves with vitality. This ‘green salute’ to KCR propagates his ethos nationwide, urging unified efforts to safeguard coastal defenses.
The plantation is more than symbolic; it’s a strategic restoration vital for resilience. As these mangroves mature, they’ll shield communities, preserve habitats, and inspire broader conservation. KCR’s influence continues to green India’s horizons.