Emphasising that forests are national wealth and every inch of forest land is invaluable, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Forests and Environment K. Pawan Kalyan underlined the Andhra Pradesh government's commitment to forest protection and biodiversity enhancement.

Speaking at the State-level two-day workshop for forest officials on the National Disaster Management Authority premises at Kondapavuluru in Krishna district on Friday, Mr. Pawan Kalyan asserted that no individual, or political influence, would be allowed to compromise forest land.

"Encroachments will not be tolerated. Forests are a national asset, and their protection is a collective responsibility," he said.

Mr. Pawan Kalyan outlined multiple initiatives, including large-scale sowing of red sandalwood seeds in the Seshachalam forests, aimed at reviving endangered species and generating economic value for the State. Measures to curb smuggling and recover illegally transported red sandalwood from other States were also underway.

Forests must be developed as a revenue-generating department, providing livelihoods for tribal youth and promoting eco-tourism in a sustainable manner, he said.

Mr. Pawan Kalyan also addressed challenges related to timber and craft-related plantations, directing efforts to expand the cultivation of trees essential for traditional crafts like Kondapalli toys and Etikoppaka products.

He called for systematic management to prevent human-wildlife conflicts, especially in border districts like Chittoor, Parvathipuram-Manyam, and Srikakulam, where elephant movements affect agricultural areas.

Highlighting the safety and welfare of forest staff, Mr. Pawan Kalyan emphasised full government support, zero tolerance for harassment or attacks on officials, and transparent recruitment processes.

The workshop included detailed briefings on forest protection strategies, biodiversity enhancement, and coordination with other departments for effective implementation.

A key focus of the workshop was the "Great Green Wall of Andhra Pradesh", spanning 974 km along the coast from Srikakulam to Nellore.

The initiative involves planting palm, palmyra, and other coastal species to restore degraded areas, protect against cyclones and tsunamis, preserve marine biodiversity, and provide a green buffer for communities dependent on the coast.

Officials were urged to integrate afforestation with denotified areas and other state lands to achieve 50% green cover by 2047, with active public participation.

Andhra Pradesh prioritises forest conservation and eco-tourism initiatives