Hyderabad: With a target of planting 4.50 crore saplings during 2025-2026 Vanamahotsavam and on the occasion of World Environment Day on Thursday, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has begun a mega plantation drive at Padamatikancha Reserve Forest at Thukkuguda near the Outer Ring Road and also at Sanjeevaiah Park in the city. The aim is to transform Hyderabad into a global green city, officials said. HMDA director of urban forest, K. Srinivas, said over the last two years massive block plantation has been undertaken in Pandamatikancha forest blocks. Two lakh seedlings were planted during 2023-24, and 3.50 lakh seedlings during 2024-25. This year, two lakh seedlings are proposed to be planted.Officials said that under Vanamahotsavam programme, biodiversity is being enhanced by planting fruit-bearing species such as Neredu, Chintha, Seemachintha, Usiri, Thani, Maredu, and Velga. Timber species such as Jitregi, Yerra Chandanam, Yegisa, Narepa, and Vepa are also being planted. Forest species such as Pusugu, Somi, Budda Daraimim, Bandaru, Veduru, and Batta Kadimi are included as well, he said. As part of planting 4.50 crore seedlings this year, a plan has been prepared for raising plantations along national and state highways and other roads, as well as greenery on central medians along the highways.
