WALTA Act to be strengthened to protect valuable trees, says MLC Nagababu

Conservation of mangroves is essential not only for environmental protection but also for human survival, AP Green and Jana Sena Party (JSP) executive committee chairman MLC Konidela Nagababu said.

Participating in a mangrove restoration program at Sangameswaram near Avanigaddy on Tuesday (October 13, 2026), Mr. Nagababu planted saplings as part of an initiative to cover 100 hectares with three lakh mangrove trees. MLA Mandali Buddha Prasad was also present.

Speaking on the programme, Mr. Nagababu said that the Water, Land and Trees Act (WALTA Act) would soon be strengthened to prevent the destruction of valuable trees. He added that in states like Keralam and Karnataka, governments impose restrictions on tree felling, while in Andhra Pradesh, though there are enough laws, their implementation is patchy.

He emphasized the importance of every plant and urged people to take responsibility for protecting trees and natural resources. He warned that pollution was seriously affecting public health, citing rising air pollution in Hyderabad and water pollution concerns in Godavari districts. He called for joint efforts to control pollution and conserve forests, water resources and biodiversity.

Later, Mr. Nagababu inaugurated a park built at a cost of ₹ 15 lakh at Aswaravupalem village and unveiled a statue of former Mandali minister Venkat Krishna Rao. He also laid foundation stones for four roads, estimated to cost ₹ 54.60 lakh, under the Palle Panduga scheme.

Published – 13 Oct 2026 20:21 IST