Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday condoled the demise of Daripalli Ramaiah, lauding him as a "champion of sustainability" for his lifelong dedication to planting and protecting lakhs of trees.
Ramaiah was awarded the Padma Shri in 2017 for his contribution to increasing tree cover. He is estimated to have planted more than 1 crore saplings in and around the Khammam district in his lifetime. The trees provide fruits and shade to the people.
Noted environmentalist Erik Solheim participated in the Green India Challenge and planted saplings along with Green India founder and Rajya Sabha MP Joginipalli Santosh Kumar here at Begumpet on Friday.