Hyderabad, July 7 (UNI) Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, along with Forest Minister Konda Surekha, officially inaugurated Vanamahotsavam 2025 by planting a Rudraksha sapling at Professor Jayashankar Agricultural University today.

Marking the beginning of the state’s annual plantation drive, the Chief Minister emphasised the deep-rooted connection between people and forests. “Our elders have said — we are the forest, and the forest is us. If we protect nature, nature will protect us,” he said.

The state government has set an ambitious target of planting 18 crore saplings this year. Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call, the Chief Minister urged people to plant a sapling in the name of their mother and encouraged mothers to do the same in the names of their children.

“Plant at least two saplings in every house and nurture them like your own children,” he appealed, adding that such efforts could transform Telangana into a lush green state.

Beyond environmental concerns, the Chief Minister also reiterated his government’s strong commitment to women’s empowerment. “Our government is empowering women by entrusting them with key responsibilities — from managing solar plants to running government schools,” he said.

Highlighting several initiatives, he noted that women now enjoy free travel in RTC buses, and the government has facilitated the leasing of 1,000 buses by women, making them owners and entrepreneurs.

In Hi-Tech City, marketing platforms have been created for products developed by women’s self-help groups, especially in areas dominated by global tech giants like Wipro and Microsoft.

“We aim to make one crore women millionaires in Telangana,” Revanth Reddy declared. The government has already disbursed Rs 21,000 crore in loans to women’s groups this year, and he called on urban women to join self-help groups to seize these opportunities.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to uplifting girls and women through education, financial independence, and representation. “Under Indiramma Rajyam, girls will live with dignity. We are also preparing to implement women’s reservation in the Assembly. I take full responsibility for ensuring 60 MLA seats are given to women in the next elections,” he promised.

The event was attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) Dr Suvarna, CM Advisor Vem Narender Reddy, MP Mallu Ravi, along with MLAs, MLCs, Corporation Chairpersons, and senior officials from the Forest Department.
UNI VV ARN