Don’t give me bouquets and waste Rs 2,000: Konda Surekha

Minister Konda Surekha has urged officials of the Forest Department and others to refrain from spending large sums of money on shawls and bouquets for her during events and meetings. Instead, she has emphasized the need to redirect those funds towards supporting the underprivileged, particularly those struggling with hunger. She said, “Today I was given bouquets by our officials. These cost about Rs2000 and is of hardly any use. Instead use that money to feed poor people. I call upon forest department, not to give bouquets”
Marking World Forest Day, Forest and Environment Minister Konda Surekha made an emotional appeal for collective action to conserve forests and live in harmony with nature. Participating in an awareness event at KBR Park along with  KrystynaPyszková, reigning Miss World 2024  on Thursday, she said she felt proud to be part of tree conservation efforts in her role as minister. She called on forest department officials not to
give her bouquets. “Our culture and traditions are deeply rooted in protecting trees. ‘Vriksho Rakshati Rakshitaha’—if we save a tree, it saves us. This is a universal truth,” said Surekha, addressing a gathering of forest officials, volunteers and civil society members. The United Nations observes March 21 as World Forest Day every year to spread awareness about the importance of forests, she added.
Stating that forests are the backbone of biodiversity and environmental protection, she said, “There is an inseparable connection between flora, fauna, and forests. Unfortunately, humans are destroying forests for selfish reasons, thereby endangering their own existence.”
She warned that if people fail to realise that only nature is eternal, the crisis will deepen. “The survival of forests is essential for our survival. Let’s not forget that meaningfully living with nature is the only way forward,” the minister said.
Konda Surekha also pointed to the pressing threats from deforestation due to urbanisation, industrial projects, podu cultivation and housing activities. “We must express our concern that forests are vanishing rapidly. The imbalance between forest cover and land mass is leading to harsh consequences from global warming. Climate disruptions are worsening as ecological balance is lost,” she said.
Highlighting the need to protect wildlife habitats, she stated that preserving forests is key to safeguarding biodiversity. She called on citizens to support the government’s initiatives in expanding green cover and added that public participation is critical for successful forest development.
“As Forest Minister, I appeal to everyone to come together. While we protect existing forests, we are also moving forward with dedication and determination to enrich forest wealth,” she said.
Konda Surekha also said that the Telangana government is implementing Vanamahotsavam on a large scale and is spending substantial funds on it.
She expressed gratitude to Miss World 2024 Kristina Peskova, forest officials, NGOs, civil society groups and the general public for their participation in the event.