ForestConservation – Pawan Kalyan Launches Major Green Restoration and Research Hub
ForestConservation – Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Forests and Environment Minister Pawan Kalyan on Friday laid the foundation stone for “Aranyaramam,” a new integrated facility near Mangalagiri that is expected to strengthen the state’s environmental governance and conservation efforts. The project, estimated to cost ₹24 crore, is designed to become a central institution for research, training, monitoring, and administrative functions related to forests and the environment.
New Centre to Coordinate Environmental Initiatives
Officials said Aranyaramam will function as the headquarters for several key activities undertaken by the Forest and Environment Department. Apart from serving as an administrative office, the facility will support research programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and conservation planning across Andhra Pradesh.
The centre is also expected to oversee a range of environmental projects, bringing multiple departments and operations under one coordinated framework. Authorities believe the initiative will improve decision-making, strengthen monitoring systems, and enhance the implementation of conservation measures across the state.
Command Hub for Wildlife and Climate Programmes
According to officials, Aranyaramam will serve as the command centre for HANUMAN, the state’s Animal Conflict Mitigation Centre. It will also supervise activities linked to wildlife protection, forest fire prevention, ecosystem recovery, climate adaptation programmes, eco-tourism development, and digital governance initiatives in the environmental sector.
In addition, the facility will monitor progress related to the Andhra Pradesh Great Green Wall project, which aims to promote large-scale ecological restoration and strengthen environmental resilience in vulnerable regions.
Review of Wildlife Rescue Operations
Following the foundation stone ceremony, Pawan Kalyan visited the HANUMAN gallery, where various wildlife rescue and conflict mitigation operations were showcased. Forest officials presented details of the department’s recent achievements in protecting wildlife and managing interactions between humans and animals.
Data shared during the event revealed that the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department conducted 185 wildlife rescue operations and successfully handled 36 human-wildlife conflict mitigation cases during 2024. Officials described these efforts as part of a broader strategy to improve wildlife protection while ensuring public safety.
Nandanavanam Initiative Aims to Restore Damaged Landscapes
During the programme, the Deputy Chief Minister also launched “Nandanavanam,” a new environmental restoration initiative focused on reviving areas affected by years of mining activity. Marking the beginning of the project, he planted a native banyan sapling and highlighted the importance of restoring ecological balance in regions that have experienced significant environmental degradation.
Authorities noted that mining operations carried out since 2013 had caused extensive damage to natural hill formations and forest cover in the area. The resulting loss of vegetation and ecological resources has created long-term environmental challenges that require sustained restoration efforts.
Vision for Future Generations
Speaking on the occasion, Pawan Kalyan said the Nandanavanam initiative is intended to rebuild green cover and rejuvenate natural resources for the benefit of future generations. He emphasized the need to expand forested areas, improve environmental quality, and ensure access to cleaner air and healthier ecosystems.
Officials described Nandanavanam as the first major step in a broader plan to restore forest landscapes that have been affected by mining and other forms of environmental degradation. The long-term objective is to transform the region into a thriving green zone with extensive tree cover and improved biodiversity.
Senior Officials Attend Event
The programme was attended by several senior officials, including Forest and Environment Department Principal Secretary Kantilal Dande, Forest Department Advisor Mallikarjuna Rao, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests P.V. Chalapathi Rao, and State Medical Infrastructure Development Corporation Chairman Chillapalli Srinivasa Rao, along with other government representatives and department officials.