Pawan Kalyan launches massive seed ball drive

Deputy CM Calls for Mass Tree Plantation to Combat Climate ChangeVijayawada: Deputy chief minister K Pawan Kalyan on Friday called upon citizens to actively participate in environmental conservation by planting and nurturing trees, stating that protecting the Earth and preserving greenery is the responsibility of every individual.Participating in the World Environment Day celebrations at Mulapadu Butterfly Park near Kondapalli in NTR district, Pawan Kalyan launched a massive programme to prepare 2.5 crore seed balls and urged people across the state to transform the initiative into a mass movement.The seed balls will be prepared across all districts until June 15 with the participation of self-help groups, students, government employees, youth organisations, environmental volunteers and the general public. The government plans to disperse the seed balls during the monsoon season in forests, hill regions, riverbanks, tank bunds and other vacant lands and will use advanced drones to scatter seed balls in inaccessible hilly terrain.Speaking on the occasion, Pawan said every seed ball should grow into a tree and every tree should serve as a shield against climate change. He stressed that environmental protection was essential to secure clean air, water and a healthy future for coming generations. Highlighting the ecological benefits of the programme, he said trees improve air quality, reduce pollution, help conserve water, recharge groundwater and provide shelter for birds and wildlife, thereby promoting biodiversity and ecological balance.As part of the programme, he planted a White Poniki sapling in the name of his mother, Anjana Devi, under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign inspired by prime minister Narendra Modi. He appealed to every citizen to plant a tree in their mother’s name and ensure its growth into a healthy tree.The deputy CM also announced plans to establish Wood Banks to support traditional artisans by ensuring the availability of raw materials such as White Poniki wood for Kondapalli toys, Ankudu wood for Etikoppaka toys and jackfruit wood for Bobbili Veenas. Region-wise Wood Banks are expected to be set up within the next two months to protect the livelihoods of artisans and preserve Andhra Pradesh’s cultural heritage.Calling for a change in public attitude towards environmental conservation, Pawan Kalyan said people often destroy greenery without making efforts to replenish it. He urged citizens to follow the example of Padma Shri awardee Vanajeevi Ramaiah and take responsibility for planting and nurturing trees.“Planting a sapling is only the beginning. We must care for it until it grows into a tree,” he said, reiterating the government’s commitment to building a greener and climate-resilient AP.