Andhra Pradesh's green cover to be increased to 50 per cent: N Chandrababu Naidu

Vijayawada: Executive director of the UN Environment Programme Erik Solheim informed Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu that they are interested in collaborating in the climate resilient programmes and also to act as a knowledge partner in the state’s action plan for climate change. The CM met with Mr Solheim on Wednesday at the Secretariat. United Nations Environment Programme’s potential role was discussed in assisting AP in achieving its environmental priorities. The CM told Mr solheim that AP has a strong base of forest cover and that the state has adopted a mission to increase the green cover to 50 per cent by 2029.

He added that his main objective was to make Rayalaseema a horticulture hub and develop the forest area in the state. During the discussion, Mr Naidu said that he was doing his best to the put the state on fast track mode and briefed the UN official about the challenges bifurcation has posed and also vision the state has adopted. He said that in spite of those challenges AP has achieved 4.5 per cent more growth than the national level growth rate.

Mr Solheim appreciated the CM’s vision and said that he would support and promote success stories like AP. Mr Naidu informed the visitor that Amaravati will be a blue and green city and suggested for possible collaboration in bringing the world’s best practices to the state. The CM asked Mr Solheim and his team members to bring out best practices for reducing temperatures in the state.