Andhra aims to increase its green cover by 50% by 2029; Organic farming with ODF status is the Mantra

Hyderabad, September 18: Two-day Regional Conference organised by National Green Tribunal kicked off in Andhra which aims to cover state under the green umbrella. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that the government has set a target to increase the green cover to 50% by 2029. While speaking at the Conference, CM Naidu expressed the concern over increasing pollution." At present, the green cover in Andhra Pradesh is 23%. We plan to increase the green cover to 50% by the year 2029," said Naidu.

 

Chairperson of NGT Justice Swatanter Kumar said protection of the environment is the collective responsibility and there is an urgent need to take up measures to control the usage of polythene and plastic. The scope of judicial review should be widened and the recommendation given by the tribunals should be adhered to, he appointed out.

 

Speaking at the function, Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board and Telangana State Pollution Control Board, CM Naidu said there is an urgent need to increase the green cover in cities and towns for sustainable development. Naidu also advocated the use of renewable energy and said the contribution of renewable energy will be increased to 50 to 60% by 2029.

At present, the share of renewable energy was around 25%.Highlighting the need of organic farming for minimum usage of fertilisers and chemicals, Naidu said nearly five lakh farmers in the state would shift to organic farming.

He said that the state will be 100 per cent open defecation free (ODF) by 2018. The AP government has planned to produce around 66 MW from 4,500 tonnes of waste per day by setting up 10 Waste-to-Energy plants for effective solid waste management in the state.