Telangana Charts Ambitious Path to 50% Green Cover by 2047 through Climate Action and Public Engagement – EQ
In Short : Telangana has set an ambitious goal to increase its green cover to 50% by 2047 as part of the Governor’s climate initiative. The plan includes mass afforestation, energy efficiency, and public participation, especially from students and women. Supported by institutional reforms and green budgeting, the initiative aims to transform Telangana into a climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable state.
In Detail : Telangana has announced a bold climate initiative aiming to increase the state’s green cover to 50% by the year 2047. The move is part of a broader strategy led by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma to combat climate change and enhance environmental sustainability.
Currently, Telangana’s green cover stands at around 24%. The plan envisions large-scale afforestation efforts, driven by government programs, public-private partnerships, and community participation to more than double this figure in the next two decades.
Energy efficiency has been identified as a key pillar of the initiative. The state plans to implement sector-specific measures in buildings, transport, industry, and small enterprises to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These measures alone are expected to account for over 40% of the emission reductions.
Community involvement will be at the heart of the initiative. Campaigns are set to roll out in schools, colleges, and universities to raise climate awareness and encourage active participation, particularly among students and women.
Institutions like Raj Bhavan and JNTU Hyderabad will undergo energy audits and serve as demonstration campuses for green energy practices. These efforts are expected to set an example for other public institutions in the state.
The Governor commended the role of national agencies like the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and EESL, while also highlighting Telangana’s leadership in promoting solar energy adoption through women-led programs and grassroots campaigns.
The afforestation drive will be supported by the ongoing Van Mahotsavam initiative, which targets the planting of over 18 crore saplings in 2025. Local communities will play a critical role in improving sapling survival rates.
The state’s long-running Haritha Haram programme has already added 7–8 percentage points to green cover since 2015, planting over 266 crore saplings. The 2025–26 budget earmarks ₹1,023 crore to the Forest Department, along with plans to plant 20 crore more saplings under Vajrotsavam Vanamahotsavam.
With a mix of financial support, institutional engagement, and public involvement, Telangana’s strategy represents a comprehensive approach to long-term climate resilience, aiming to create a greener, healthier environment for future generations.
