Haritha Haram is a flagship Telangana government scheme to expand the state green cover from 24% to 33%. First launched on 3 July 2015, the programme remains in operation across all districts under a new official name, Vanamahotsavam, with the 2026 plantation drive now running for the coming year.
The scheme encourages citizens, panchayats, schools, corporates and government departments to plant and care for saplings along roadsides, river banks, barren hills and institutional premises. Mass plantation targets are set every year and monitored by the Telangana Forest Department through an online management system.
Haritha Haram (Vanamahotsavam)
Haritha Haram was started by former Chief Minister Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao on 3 July 2015 with the aim of raising the green cover of Telangana from 24% to 33%. The name means green garland, and the drive relied on massive plantation plus protection of degraded forests from encroachment, fire and grazing. A watershed-based approach was used, with soil and moisture conservation built into the planting work.
A major change came in June 2024. The present Congress government under Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy officially renamed the annual Haritha Haram programme as Vanamahotsavam. The Chief Minister launched the renamed programme by planting a Pogada sapling at Kakatiya Textile Park in Warangal. The original Vanamahotsavam name dates back to 1950, when it was started by then Union Agriculture Minister KM Munshi.
For 2026, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched the state-wide Vanamahotsavam 2026 drive at Gurramguda Eco Park in Rangareddy district. The Forest Department has set a target of planting 16.06 crore saplings for the year. The target has been reduced from 20.02 crore saplings in 2024 and 18.02 crore in 2025, mainly because of limited availability of suitable land.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Haritha Haram (now Vanamahotsavam) |
| Level | State |
| Launched By | Government of Telangana |
| Beneficiary State | Telangana |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Target Beneficiaries | All |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| Main Department | Environment, Forests, Science and Technology Department |
| Implementing Agency | Telangana Forest Department |
Benefits
Haritha Haram, now run as Vanamahotsavam, delivers several ecological and social gains for the state.
- Expanded Green Cover: Plantation helps move Telangana closer to the 33% green cover target, improving air quality and reducing soil erosion.
- Climate Change Support: Trees act as carbon sinks and absorb carbon dioxide, helping fight rising temperatures.
- Soil and Water Conservation: Roots improve soil fertility and help the ground hold more water.
- Biodiversity Protection: Native species restore habitats for local birds, animals and plants.
- Local Income: The forestry work creates jobs and supports non-timber forest products such as fruits and medicinal herbs.
- Better Health: Greener surroundings give cleaner air and pleasant spaces for communities.
Eligibility
The scheme is open to a wide range of people and groups across Telangana.
Individuals: Any citizen can join local plantation drives or plant saplings at home or in the community. There are no strict eligibility barriers for individuals.
NGOs and Institutions: Schools, colleges and voluntary groups can partner with local forest authorities. They need to show commitment to environmental protection and arrange for maintenance of the planted saplings.
Government Departments and Corporates: These bodies can align plantation work with their institutional mandates or corporate social responsibility policies. For example, a private company can take up a greening project with the forest department as part of its CSR commitments.
Exclusions
To keep the ecosystem healthy, certain activities are not counted under this scheme.
- Construction Interference: Trees cannot be felled for buildings, roads or other invasive projects.
- Unfit Private Land: Planting on private lands or sites with high water tables or extreme erosion risk is generally avoided.
- Commercial Monocultures: The scheme focuses on native species, so monoculture commercial crops or exotic species are not part of it.
- Disputed Areas: Land with ownership conflicts or community rights issues is left out to keep the work smooth.
Application Process
Participation in Haritha Haram, or Vanamahotsavam, is simple and open to everyone.
STEP 1 - As an individual, join a local plantation drive organized by the forest department, gram panchayat or a voluntary group, or plant saplings at your own premises.
STEP 2 - As an organization, school, college or corporate, reach out to the District Forest Officer of your district with a project proposal explaining the plantation plan, maintenance method and required resources.
STEP 3 - Once the proposal is reviewed and approved, support and saplings are provided to begin the work. The forest department tracks planting through the Vanamahotsavam Management Information System, where details and photos are uploaded.
Documents
Individuals usually need no documents to join the drive. Organizations should keep the following papers ready for a smooth partnership.
| Organization Type | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| NGOs | Registration certificate, Memorandum of Association, Annual report and PAN details |
| Educational Institutions | Authorization letter from the head, infrastructure details and bank account information |
| Government Departments | Authorization letter and resource availability report |
| Corporates | Certificate of incorporation, CSR policy and PAN details |
Keep copies of identity and address proof handy when coordinating with the District Forest Officer.
References
Telangana Forest Department | Vanamahotsavam Management Information System | Haritha Haram renamed Vanamahotsavam | Vanamahotsavam 2026 plantation target
FAQ's
Has Haritha Haram been renamed?
Yes. In June 2024 the Congress government renamed the annual Haritha Haram programme as Vanamahotsavam, though people still often call it by the older name Haritha Haram.
Is Haritha Haram still running in 2026?
Yes. The programme, now officially called Vanamahotsavam, is running, and the Vanamahotsavam 2026 drive was launched with a target to plant 16.06 crore saplings.
What is the target for 2026?
The target for 2026 has been set at 16.06 crore saplings, reduced from 20.02 crore in 2024 and 18.02 crore in 2025 because of limited suitable land.
Where can I find details about nearest nurseries?
Contact the District Forest Officer or the local social forestry division. Nursery details can also be checked through the official forest department systems.
Who can participate in the scheme?
Every citizen, NGO, school, college, corporate and government department in Telangana can take part in plantation under the scheme.
What kinds of trees are planted?
The scheme prefers native species such as neem, teak, banyan and fruit-bearing trees that grow well in regional conditions.
How can I register a planting site?
Planting sites are generally registered by government departments once they form part of the district action plan, through the official forest management system.
What is the main aim of Haritha Haram?
The main aim is to raise the green cover of Telangana from 24% to 33% through sustained plantation and forest protection.