Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Saturday opined that the authorities should not give building permissions to property owners unless they have trees planted on their plots.
However, Kiran Kumar Reddy did not clarify whether his words were indeed part of the state government's decision, and whether such a rule would be enforced in the future.
THe CM was addressing the gathering at the 62nd Vanamahotsava celebrations at Medpally village of Ranga Reddy village, where the program was launched to get 20 lakh saplings planted.
Kiran Kumar Reddy, also stressed on the need to maintain pollution levels under control.
"This would be our gift to our future generations," he said.
He also exhorted people to plant as many trees as possible.
"It is not only important to plant more trees, we should also tend to them. I will visit this village 3 months later and personally check if the trees planted today are being tended to," Kiran Kumar Reddy promised.
The Chief Minister barely spoke for about 5 minutes, and was in the village for only about 20 minutes. Moreover, the authorities had forgotten to provide tents for children who were waiting to see the CM - they had had to wait under the hot sun for over 3 hours. (INN)