Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan advocates wood banks for artisan livelihoods and conservation

At the State-level Forest Department Officers’ Workshop, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan emphasized the crucial role of forest officials in conserving the state’s natural resources and outlined new initiatives to support their welfare and safety.

Addressing officers, Pawan Kalyan acknowledged the challenges posed by staff shortages and heavy workloads, noting that frontline personnel often operate under difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions. “Any undue pressure on duty officers can have serious consequences,” he said, highlighting the government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of forest staff.

As part of staff welfare measures, the Deputy CM announced the creation of a ₹5 crore Forest Staff Welfare Fund, with support from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, to improve healthcare, housing, and overall well-being of forest employees.

Pawan Kalyan also discussed the state’s long-term environmental goals, noting that Andhra Pradesh’s forest cover currently stands at 22%, with an ambitious target of 50% by 2047. He called upon officials and experts to strategize sustainable ways to achieve these targets.

A key highlight of the workshop was the official launch of the Andhra Pradesh Great Green Wall Project, a major coastal conservation initiative. The project aims to create a 5-kilometer-wide ecological shield along the state’s entire 1,053-km coastline by 2030, designed to protect the coast, mitigate natural disasters, and promote biodiversity.

The project will feature:

• Multi-layered buffer zones including mangroves, shelterbelt plantations, inland vegetation, and sand dunes.

• Coastal protection measures to combat cyclones, floods, shoreline erosion, and climate impacts.

• Support for livelihoods and biodiversity, including eco-tourism and sustainable fisheries.

The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department has prepared a five-year action plan, prioritizing the restoration of existing plantations and new afforestation, particularly in the Krishna and Godavari delta regions. Funding will come from multiple sources, including MGNREGS, CAMPA, Green Credit Program, District Mineral Funds, and International Climate Finance.

During the workshop, the Deputy CM also addressed conflicts arising from forest-based livelihoods. He announced the introduction of the Wood Banks concept, a system where selected trees are legally and sustainably available for artisans and local communities. This initiative aims to balance forest conservation with community livelihoods, preventing disputes between forest officials and citizens dependent on wood for traditional crafts.

Pawan Kalyan noted that while similar community-managed timber initiatives exist in other states like Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, the Andhra Pradesh Wood Banks program is unique in its scale, state supervision, and integration with major conservation projects like the Great Green Wall.

Concluding his address, the Deputy CM reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting forests, supporting frontline staff, enhancing environmental sustainability, and promoting community participation, calling upon all officers to work collaboratively toward a greener, safer Andhra Pradesh