Haritha Haram

Haritha Haram is a large-scale afforestation and environmental conservation programme initiated by the Government of Telangana launched in 2015, the scheme primarily aims to increase the green cover across the state and restore degraded ecosystems through massive tree plantation drives. The project forms a central component of Telangana’s strategy for sustainable development, environmental protection, and mitigation of the adverse effects of climate change.

Background and Objectives

Telangana, India’s youngest state, faced serious concerns regarding deforestation, urbanisation, and declining natural resources at the time of its formation in 2014. Rapid industrialisation, agricultural expansion, and infrastructural growth had led to shrinking forest areas and reduction of biodiversity. Against this backdrop, Haritha Haram was designed to expand the state’s forest cover from about 24% to 33% of its geographical area, in line with the recommendations of the National Forest Policy of 1988.
The term Haritha Haram translates to “Green Garland”, symbolising a continuous chain of greenery encircling the state. The programme’s objectives include:

• Restoration of degraded forests and revival of natural habitats.
• Increasing tree cover outside forests by promoting avenue plantations, institutional plantations, and social forestry.
• Encouraging community participation in afforestation drives.
• Enhancing biodiversity, soil conservation, and water retention capacity of landscapes.
• Contributing to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration.

Implementation and Strategies

Haritha Haram is implemented under the leadership of the Telangana Forest Department, with active involvement of district administrations, municipal bodies, schools, non-governmental organisations, and local communities. The programme follows a multi-pronged approach:

• Massive plantation drives: Each year, special plantation campaigns are organised during the monsoon season to ensure maximum survival rates of saplings.
• Community participation: Local communities, self-help groups, students, and non-governmental organisations are encouraged to plant and protect saplings in their surroundings.
• Institutional plantations: Schools, colleges, government offices, and private institutions are allotted plantation targets to promote environmental responsibility.
• Avenue and urban plantations: Roads, highways, parks, and urban settlements are lined with trees to combat urban heat and pollution.
• Forest rejuvenation: Degraded forests are identified for intensive soil and moisture conservation activities, enrichment planting, and protection from grazing or fire.

Monitoring mechanisms are incorporated into the scheme. Geo-tagging of plantations, mobile applications, and satellite imagery are used to track survival and growth rates of saplings.

Progress and Achievements

Since its inception, Haritha Haram has become one of the largest afforestation drives in India. By the early 2020s, several hundred crore saplings had been planted across Telangana. The scheme has significantly improved green cover in both urban and rural areas. Studies conducted by the Forest Survey of India have indicated a measurable rise in the forest area of Telangana during successive surveys.
The programme has also encouraged strong public participation. Educational institutions, religious organisations, industries, and households have contributed towards plantation targets. Special attention has been given to avenue plantations along highways and water body rejuvenation through eco-friendly afforestation.

Environmental and Social Significance

Haritha Haram has had multiple ecological and social benefits for Telangana:

• Environmental restoration: Increased greenery has contributed to improved soil fertility, reduced soil erosion, and enhanced groundwater recharge.
• Climate benefits: The plantations act as carbon sinks, mitigating the impact of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Biodiversity enrichment: The scheme has helped revive local flora and fauna in degraded areas.
• Public health: Expanded urban green spaces have reduced dust levels, improved air quality, and provided recreational areas for citizens.
• Community empowerment: The programme has instilled environmental consciousness among citizens and created a sense of ownership for natural resources.

Challenges and Criticism

Despite its success, Haritha Haram has faced challenges. Ensuring survival of planted saplings remains a major issue, as many plantations suffer from inadequate maintenance, grazing, or adverse climatic conditions. Critics argue that focusing heavily on plantation numbers rather than long-term sustainability can undermine ecological outcomes. Some studies suggest that monoculture plantations, if pursued, may not yield the same ecological value as diverse natural forests.
Moreover, the programme requires substantial financial resources and consistent administrative support, without which its long-term success may be threatened.

Significance for Telangana

Haritha Haram is widely regarded as a flagship programme that reflects Telangana’s commitment to environmental conservation. It has gained national recognition and has been cited as a model for large-scale afforestation efforts in India. Beyond ecological gains, the scheme has strengthened the state’s identity as a leader in sustainable development initiatives.