BJP to plant 1 million Palmyra trees in AP

Vijayawada: AP BJP president PVN Madhav on Friday said the party would undertake a special action plan to protect palmyra trees and strengthen the livelihoods of toddy tappers dependent on the traditional occupation by planting 10 lakh palmyra trees across Andhra Pradesh.Addressing a round-table conference held at the BJP state office on the occasion of World Environment Day, Madhav described the palmyra tree as an integral part of Indian civilisation, noting that it had historically served multiple purposes, including food, household utilities and livelihood support. He said the tree continues to play a crucial role in environmental conservation and stressed the need to protect both the species and the workers dependent on it.Madhav announced that the party would launch a statewide plantation programme involving one million palmyra saplings and prepare a dedicated plan for the promotion of palmyra and related tree species. He also advocated the establishment of a dedicated board for Palmyra and date palm trees to support the sector’s development.Highlighting employment generation opportunities, Madhav said setting up Neera production centres could create sustainable livelihoods while encouraging the consumption of healthier beverages. He recalled that Mahatma Gandhi had promoted the Neera movement in 1922.The meeting, chaired by BJP OBC Morcha state president Rongala Gopi Srinivas, discussed issues concerning communities such as Gouds, Shetty Balijas, Sreesainas and Yadigas, who rely on palmyra-based products for their livelihood. Rajya Sabha MP Paka Satyanarayana and others were present.