HYDERABAD, JULY 2025: With a deep passion for the environment, Singareni CMD N Balram has crossed a remarkable milestone of planting 20,000 saplings on his own, making history. On the occasion of his birthday, he planted 225 saplings, setting a national record and gaining international recognition through Viswaguru World Records.
This tree-planting initiative, started personally by the CMD on June 5, 2019 — World Environment Day — at Kothagudem, has now evolved into a green movement across the coal belt. Saplings planted at 56 locations in 12 areas are now flourishing into 35 mini forests.
Recognising his eco-conscious efforts, the CMD has already received multiple awards. His initiatives have drawn praise from employees, officers, and public representatives alike. A special felicitation ceremony was held at Singareni Bhavan on July 29, 2025, where CMD Balram reached the exceptional feat of planting 20,000 saplings, including 225 saplings planted by himself that very morning at a site near GK Open Cast Mine in Kothagudem Area.
Representatives from Viswaguru World Records were present to witness and certify this rare occasion, and officially presented a Certificate of World Record to Balram. Viswaguru Managing Director Sri Satya Olu Rambabu stated that this was a globally unique record for a civil servant — planting 20,000 trees and nurturing them into mini forests with his own hands.
Speaking on the occasion, CMD N. Balram said he had a love for planting trees since childhood. Initially, he planned to create a plantation on 2 acres, but later, inspired by Singareni’s own environmental programmes, he extended the effort to all areas of the company. He expressed joy that the saplings planted across 35 locations are now turning into forests that attract birds and animals. He dedicated this achievement to his parents and Singareni workers, urging everyone to treat tree planting and nurturing as a personal responsibility.
Also speaking at the event, Karunakar Reddy, founder of Hyderabad-based NGO Walk for Water, applauded the CMD not only for his large-scale plantation efforts but also for his initiative “Neeti Binduvu–Jalasindhuvu”, which led to the construction of 62 water tanks across Singareni to replenish groundwater — another commendable environmental achievement.
The event was attended by company directors D. Satyanarayana Rao, L.V. Suryanarayana, K. Venkateswarlu, Gautam Potru, GM (Coordination) S.D.M. Subhani, Kothagudem GM Shalem Raju, GM (Environment) Saidulu, and union leaders Jakkula Gattayya, MD Razak, Narasimharao, and others.
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