Hyderabad: Telangana Forest Development Corporation (TGFDC), under its eco-tourism initiative Deccan Woods & Trails, celebrated World Environment Day 2026 with great enthusiasm at the Botanical Garden, Hyderabad, as part of the ongoing Praja Palana – Pragathi Pranalika programme. The celebrations witnessed the active participation of nearly 80 volunteers from leading organizations including Cognizant, Trouw Nutrition India Pvt. Ltd. (Nutreco company), Nirmaan Organization, along with visitors, nature lovers and environmental enthusiasts.
The programme commenced with a Seed Ball Preparation and Nursery Visit, where participants learned about the importance of seed balls in ecological restoration and afforestation. Volunteers actively prepared seed balls using native species and were guided through the Botanical Garden nursery to gain insights into plant propagation techniques, nursery management practices and the role of indigenous flora in biodiversity conservation by our naturalists.
The celebrations continued with a Plantation Drive, during which participants planted saplings of native tree species across designated areas of the Botanical Garden, reaffirming their commitment towards environmental conservation and climate resilience. A major highlight of the event was the presence of Dr. S. S. Sreedhar, IFS, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Andhra Pradesh Forest Development Corporation (APFDC), who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and planted a Syzygium sapling in the Syzygium Forest Type Garden, located within the Theme Parks of the Botanical Garden. The programme was presided over by Smt. Sunita M. Bhagwat, IFS, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, TGFDC, who welcomed the gathering and emphasized the importance of conserving biodiversity through collective action and community participation.
An Awareness Talk on World Environment Day was subsequently organized under the global theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.” Botanist and Naturalists highlighted the urgent need for environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, pollution reduction and sustainable resource management. Addressing the gathering, Dr. S. S. Sreedhar, IFS, appreciated the efforts of TGFDC in developing the Botanical Garden as a centre for environmental education, biodiversity conservation and nature-based recreation.
He stressed the importance of protecting native species, strengthening ecological restoration initiatives and fostering public participation in safeguarding natural resources. Smt. Sunita M. Bhagwat, IFS, also underscored the role of botanical gardens and urban green spaces in promoting environmental awareness and sustainability among citizens.
The event was attended by Sri D. Venkateshwar Reddy, Chief General Manager; Smt. K. Shireesha, Senior Divisional Manager & Assistant Director (Eco-Tourism); Sri Ravinder Reddy, General Manager; A. Kiran Kumar, Financial Controller; V. Lakshma Reddy, Plantation Manager; Srinivas Rao, Forest Range Officer; Srinivasu Reddy Dy.RO; K. Suman, Projects Manager; Dr. I. Veera Kishore, Botanist; Naturalists Dinesh Kumar, Rohith and Vamshi Praveen along with other officers and staff members of the Corporation. Smt. K. Shireesha, Senior Divisional Manager & Assistant Director, Eco-Tourism, appreciated the support extended by corporate volunteers and partner organizations, noting that such collaborations significantly contribute to environmental awareness and sustainable development. The programme concluded with a collective pledge by all participants to protect natural resources, promote afforestation, conserve biodiversity and work towards building a greener, healthier and more sustainable future.
