Telangana to raise red sanders in a big way
HYDERABAD: Even as the AP government is struggling to rein in red sanders smugglers, its counterparts in Telangana is planning to raise these endemic species of trees in the State in a big way for revenue generation.
The AP government is already in the process of auctioning the precious wood, which was seized from smugglers over the past few years, to use the funds for its welfare schemes.
Speaking to press persons, forests and environment minister Jogu Ramanna dismissed as 'myth' that land in Telangana districts is not suitable for red sanders plantations.
'In fact, dry lands are very much suitable for the purpose. The government will soon do soil testing for the purpose,' he said.
The minister said since the State government is attaching huge importance to increasing the green cover in the State, the department of environment had already set up 600 Biodiversity Committees in villages.
'Every village has its own unique flora and fauna, which has to safeguarded. With Sarpanchs heading these committees, it will have seven members in all including two women members.
These commtties are entrusted with the task of chalking out plans for protecting the environment in their villages,' he explained.
He reiterated that with the government-proposed 'Telangana Harithaharam' in the next three years, the green cover in the State would increase from the present 25 to 33 per cent.
The minister who participated in an International Biodiversity Conference, held in South Korea between October 12 - 14, said the Telangana government's flagship programme of raising 230 crore plants in the coming years was well received.
'South Korea which had a green cover of 15 per cent in 1970 has increased it to 25 per cent today. Though their climatic conditions are suitable for only four to five varieties of plantations, they could increase the green cover manifold. But with Telangana having hundreds of flora varieties, it would not be difficult to turn the State into a clean and green State soon,' he hoped.
News Posted: 20 October, 2014
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