KCR’s 72nd Birthday Marked by Mega Mangrove Plantation Drive

The 72nd birthday of K. Chandrashekar Rao was observed with a meaningful environmental initiative, as 10,000 mangrove saplings were planted in the Sundarbans under the leadership of Joginapalli Santosh Kumar. The large-scale plantation drive transformed a celebratory occasion into a climate-conscious campaign, reflecting the green governance philosophy long associated with KCR.

Mangroves play a crucial ecological role in delta regions. They act as natural barriers against cyclones, reduce tidal surges, filter pollutants, stabilise coastlines and store significantly higher amounts of carbon compared to many terrestrial forests. Planting them in the fragile Sundarbans ecosystem added both symbolic depth and scientific relevance to the tribute.

Environmental conservation remained a defining pillar during KCR’s tenure in Telangana. Programmes such as Telangana Ku Haritha Haram focused on expanding forest cover, enhancing groundwater recharge, conserving biodiversity and strengthening climate resilience. Inspired by this vision, the Green India Challenge mobilised youth, public representatives and civil society nationwide, leading to the plantation of millions of saplings and the rejuvenation of numerous water bodies.

By choosing a cyclone-prone coastal region affected by disasters like Cyclone Amphan and Cyclone Yaas, organisers underscored a long-term commitment to protecting natural buffers and strengthening community resilience.

Beyond celebration, the initiative carried a larger message — environmental responsibility must be collective, sustained and intergenerational.