Hyderabad: Hyderabad held its International Forest Day on March 21 with events at KBR Park, Botanical Gardens and Nehru Zoological Park, highlighting this year’s theme “Forests and Food”, highlighting the crucial role of forests in maintaining ecosystems.
Miss World 2024 Krystyna Pyszkova was the main guest of the event that day held at KBR Park and Forest Park and Environment Minister Konda Surekha. As part of the activity, 100 trees were planted. Students at Telangana Minority Residential School showcase their artwork of conservation.
“Protecting the forest is everyone’s responsibility. Every effort is important,” Pyszkova told students while watching the exhibits. She later presented awards to student artists.
Minister Surekha stressed the importance of protection and quoted: “Vriksho Rakshati Rakshitaha – If we protect trees, they will protect us.” Speaking to students, she warned that human survival would be at risk if deforestation continues. She stressed that biodiversity can only flourish when wildlife habitats are preserved and nature is described as “perpetual”, noting that “meaningful life coexists with nature.”
At the Botanical Gardens, Telangana Forest Development Corporation Limited (TGFDC) and Deccan Woods & Trails hosted discussions on forest perception. Their core message is: “Forests are not just trees; they are the lifeline of our planet.” A wildlife photography competition was held with 28 participants and organized a snake awareness workshop for 200 students. Visitors also explore rare forest seeds, native flora and plant exhibitions led by botanist Veera Kishore, who uses forest plants as a source of food and medicine.
Switcheko Sustainability is a company that transforms waste into environmentally friendly products, showing biodegradable, recyclable and reusable items such as leaf plates, jute products and recycled plastic shirts. Its founder Akshay Deshpande encouraged students to adopt sustainable practices and said: “The small and interesting actions today will shape a greener tomorrow.” He shared practical recycling tips, including reusing used clothes for bags.
Ranjeet Naik, director of ecotourism at the Botanical Garden, emphasized the economic and ecological significance of forests. “Forests are not only scenic landscapes; they provide wood, fruits, medicinal plants and mushrooms. Many communities rely on them for food and livelihoods. Healthy forests mean fertile soil essential for agriculture. Protect forests, protect forests, restore aging lands and restore sustainable farms to ensure forests and future forests and people’s scope, he explains the forests and people’s scope.
At Nehru Zoological Park, officials planted part of the day’s conservation efforts, planting local trees such as typical and Peepal.
