The then Forest Minister... encroached on forests: Pawan Fire

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan emphasized the need for a Great Green Wall in Andhra Pradesh, underlining that forests are national assets and protecting them is everyone’s responsibility. Speaking at a state-level workshop for forest officials in Kondapavuluru, Gannavaram Mandal, Krishna district, he stated that the coalition government prioritizes forest conservation and that politics should have no role in safeguarding these lands.

Criticizing the previous YCP regime, Pawan Kalyan highlighted the role of current Punganuru MLA Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, who served as Forest Minister during the YCP tenure, claiming that forest lands in his own area were illegally encroached. “Even when massive violations occurred, officials did not act. Such lapses cannot happen under the coalition government. Forest authorities must respond swiftly to any encroachment, regardless of party or individual,” he said.

Pawan Kalyan also addressed the security of forest officials, indirectly referring to recent attacks on them by supporters of the Srisailam MLA. He assured that the government will take strict legal action against anyone obstructing or assaulting officials, regardless of status, and emphasized justice for the affected staff.

The Deputy CM noted that forests cover 22% of the state’s land, which could rise to 31% if de-notified areas are included. He questioned the actual greenery remaining amid widespread encroachments and instructed authorities to prevent negligence. Setting a target for 2047, he urged that 50% of the state’s land should be covered with greenery. With a 974 km long coastline, he emphasized planting palm and other trees in empty coastal areas to build a “green wall” along the shore.