AP Sets Ambitious Goal of Achieving 50% Green Cover by 2047

Andhra Pradesh has set an ambitious goal of increasing its overall forest and tree cover to 50% of the state’s geographical area by 2047, according to AP Green Executive Committee Chairman Nagababu.

Speaking to the media after assuming charge as Chairman of the committee at Aranya Bhavan in Mangalagiri on Friday, Nagababu said the state intends to turn environmental conservation into a mass public movement, with people from all sections of society playing an active role.

He thanked Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan for placing their trust in him and assigning him the responsibility. Nagababu said he would work with commitment to achieve the goals outlined by the AP Green Society.

The state currently has 22.96% forest cover, and the government now plans to substantially expand green spaces by combining forest development with large-scale tree plantation initiatives. The broader objective is to provide future generations with cleaner air, a healthier environment and improved living standards.

The greening programme will extend beyond forests, with plantations planned across agricultural areas, villages and towns. Trees and green cover will also be promoted along major roads, canal bunds, and on the premises of government and private institutions. Industrial areas and suitable barren lands will also be brought under the initiative, while large-scale plantation and horticultural development will be encouraged.

Nagababu said achieving the 50% green cover target would require coordinated action across multiple government departments. Agriculture, horticulture, Panchayati Raj, education, industries, revenue, water resources, transport and forest departments will work together under a common strategy.

He also called for the participation of farmers, voluntary organisations, corporate bodies, students, youth, entrepreneurs and the general public. The intention, he said, is to ensure that the AP Green initiative evolves beyond a government programme into a people-driven environmental campaign.

Nagababu stressed that planting saplings alone would not determine the success of the mission. Protecting and ensuring the survival of every planted tree would be equally important. He said a dedicated monitoring mechanism would be established to track the survival, maintenance and long-term protection of plantations across the state.

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