50K trees to restore the natural habitat of displaced species in Telangana

Kokkireni is a small village located in Khammam district, Telangana. The majority of its nearly 4000 residents were compelled to seek employment opportunities in distant locations due to limited livelihood options. Even those engaged in agriculture struggled to make ends meet. However, the situation has changed for the better now with a tree plantation project providing new livelihood opportunities and supplementary income.

“Finding work in our village was difficult,” shares 45-year-old MD Johnmiya, a villager from Kokkireni and adds, “When Grow-Trees initiated the 'Trees for Communities' project in Kokkireni, it not only helped us to earn additional income by participating in the plantation activities but also created a sense of environmental kinship among the villagers. Once fully grown, these trees will provide shade around the village and also serve as a natural habitat for many animals and birds.”

Another farmer, G. Ramu, who had been struggling economically due to the declining productivity of his land, found employment as a caretaker of the newly planted saplings. Aruna and Divya, are among many women beneficiaries who have now found gainful work. Divya shares, “We are now able to support our families and it is also really satisfying to be able to contribute to biodiversity conservation.”

Mr Pradip Shah, the co-founder of Grow-trees articulates the purpose of the plantation project and says, “Through the ‘Trees for Communities’ project, we aim to bring about a multi-dimensional impact in Khammam. Along with the environmental benefits offered by trees, generating viable employment prospects for the local community is also part of this initiative. With an inclusive approach towards environmental regeneration, we can not only nourish biodiversity but also empower rural communities including women.”

As part of the project, there is a target of planting 50,000 trees in the areas of Kokkireni, Beerolu, Polepally, and Tettelapadu in Thirumalayapalem Mandal. Over 32,500 trees have already been planted, with Bosch Technology supporting the plantation of 15,000 trees last year in Kokkireni.

The tree species are selected based on both ecological and economic value. The list of saplings planted includes Jamun, Amla, Tamarind, Dirisens, Devakanchans, Neem, and Kanuga.

Prasad, the state coordinator for Telangana, mentioned that in Khammam district, Thirumalayapalem mandal, Kokkireni village, 30,000 trees were planted. This plantation program provided employment to around 250 people, who are very pleased with the initiative. Trees offer numerous short- and long-term benefits. They not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also reduce flood risks, improve air quality, and mitigate the urban heat island effect by reflecting sunlight and providing shade.