Guntur set for green makeover with over 40-km plantation drive

Workers planting saplings in the Guntur Municipal Corporation limits on Tuesday.

Guntur is set to receive a major green makeover, with the Municipal Corporation undertaking an extensive plantation drive that covers more than 40 km of road medians to increase green cover, improve air quality and beautify the city.

Corporation Commissioner Mayur Ashok said the project was being implemented in two phases, with plantation planned along 25 km in the first phase and 15 km in the second phase.

Specially selected plant varieties capable of withstanding high summer temperatures will be chosen in consultation with experts from the Andhra Pradesh Green Corporation to ensure their survival and growth. As part of the initiative, the existing soil in the road medians will be completely removed and replaced with better-quality red soil and manure to provide suitable conditions for plant growth.

The green development project is estimated to cost between ₹5 crore and ₹6 crore. The contractors executing the work will also be responsible for maintaining and nurturing the plants for the next two years, ensuring that the plantation translates into sustainable green cover rather than remaining a one-time exercise.

The initiative aims to improve the city's environmental balance, reduce pollution and enhance its aesthetic appeal. The civic body hopes to give Guntur a distinct identity at the national level through sustained urban greening efforts.

Andhra Pradesh / greens / environmental pollution