K M Dayashankar
Satavahana University premises was once called as ‘Kartika vanams’ following the massive plantation drive taken up by then Collector Sumita Dawra
KARIMNAGAR, JULY 15, 2024: Minister for Transport and BC Welfare Ponnam Prabhakar has formally launched the 75th Vanamahotsavam programme by planting a sapling on the sprawling premises of Satavahana University on the outskirts of Karimnagar town on Monday.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister called upon the people to participate in the noble cause of protecting the environment from pollution and benefit the future generation by planting saplings. Reminding that the Congress leader Sanjay Gandhi had informed the people to plant saplings as social responsibility in the late 70s, he informed the people to plant at least six saplings in each household.
He also said that then Chief Minister Dr YS Rajashekhar Reddy had sanctioned the Satavahana University and laid foundation stone in the year 2008 and added that during the period he was APMarkfed chairman and strived for the allocation of 200 acres of land for the university. He informed the university authorities to take up massive plantation in the open lands. It may be recalled that the Satavahana university premises was called as ‘Kartika vanams’ following the plantations taken up by then Collector Sumita Dawra.
Stating that the Karimnagar district was set a target of planting 43 lakh saplings during this season, he called upon all the public representatives, officials and others to play a crucial role in the plantation of saplings and its protection. He informed the forest officials to ensure that the fruit-bearing, shade giving and the plants providing should be accorded priority in Vanamahotsavam.
He also appealed to the people to plant a sapling in memory of their mothers or dearests ones and nurture for its growth. Additional Collector Praful Desai, SU registrar Varaprasad, RDO K Maheshwar, DRDO Sridhar, DFO Balamani, tahsildar Rajesh, MPDO Prabhu, corporators, Congress leaders and others attended in large numbers.
