Public participation crucial for increasing green cover, says Anantapur Collector

District Collector O. Anand led the World Environment Day awareness drive here on Friday (June 5, 2026), urging the people to treat environmental protection as a shared social and personal responsibility.

The event was launched with a rally from the Collectorate to the AF Ecology Centre at Upparapalli locality. The Collector flagged off the rally and cycled his way through the arterial junctions of Anantapur city to promote sustainable transport and environmental awareness.

Addressing the parrticipants, Mr. Anand called on the people to participate in tree plantation and conservation efforts. He said the State government was working with the line departments, including social forestry, agriculture, horticulture, and rural development, to increase green cover across the district.

He highlighted the need for a comprehensive action plan to introduce net-zero concepts in residential institutions, promote ultra-high-density plantations, and strengthen rainwater harvesting measures.

The Collector observed that the district was preparing to distribute 13 lakh seed balls and plant one crore saplings. He urged people to nurture the planted saplings for at least six to eight months to ensure their survival.

Officials from various government departments, students and teachers, farmers, volunteers, and representatives of voluntary organisations participated in the rally.