Srisailam temple launches drive to plant 5,000 saplings for conservation

The Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple management has decided to plant 5,000 saplings in Srisailam during this monsoon season as part of environmental conservation measures.

A plantation drive was conducted on Saturday near the Zilla Parishad High School in Srisailam, which saw the participation Board of Trustees chairman Pothugunta Ramesh Naidu, executive officer M. Srinivasa Rao, board members, and special invitees.

Speaking on the occasion, the chairman said that the mass plantation drive was undertaken as part of the environmental conservation efforts. He mentioned that saplings would be planted on both sides of the ring road and that they were planning to plant saplings extensively in open areas and gardens maintained by the temple. Protective tree guards will be installed for the saplings wherever necessary, he said.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao said that special care would be taken to ensure the protection and maintenance of the planted saplings. He said that ornamental plants would be planted in the gardens, while trees providing shade would be planted in open areas.

Members of the Board of Trustees participating in the event suggested planting ‘Devatha Vrukshas’ (sacred trees associated with deities) at suitable locations to enhance the spiritual ambiance of the holy site. They recommended that 30 to 40% of the planted saplings should be of these sacred varieties.

The planting drive commenced with Ganapathi puja, followed by Vruksha puja (worship of trees) and the planting of saplings. Species such as Kadamba, White Arjun (Tella Maddi), Badam (Indian Almond), Bauhinia, Tabebuia rosea, and Spathodea were planted.

Temple chief priest and ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees H. Veeraiah Swamy, public relations officer T. Srinivasa Rao, and various staff members participated.