Telangana has achieved a remarkable feat in terms of overall environmental performance, securing the top position among all Indian states, according to the recently released annual compendium of data by the renowned non-profit organization Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The compendium, titled 'State of India's Environment 2023,' was unveiled on the occasion of World Environment Day, garnering praise from various quarters. Telangana Minister for IT and Industries KT Rama Rao lauded the people of the state for this recognition and emphasized that Telangana has become a role model for the entire country.
In a tweet, KTR stated, "Great news for Telangana. On the eve of World Environment Day, the latest book released by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reveals that Telangana state stands as the clear Number One among all Indian states. Kudos to the visionary leadership of CM KCR Garu and his brainchild 'Haritha Haaram'."
The comprehensive report offers a wealth of statistics on various environmental aspects, including climate and extreme weather, health, food and nutrition, migration and displacement, agriculture, energy, waste, water, and biodiversity.
According to the rankings provided by CSE in their annual compendium, Telangana secured the top position with an impressive score of 7.213 out of 10. Following closely behind was Gujarat, attaining a score of 6.593. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh secured the sixth position with a score of 5.567. On the other hand, Rajasthan found itself in the last position among the 29 states, scoring 2.757. It is worth noting that Telangana was the only state to score more than 70 percent, highlighting its exceptional environmental performance compared to other states.
Telangana's efforts in improving forest cover and implementing effective municipal waste management strategies have received recognition and played a significant role in its top ranking in environmental protection. These achievements offer numerous benefits, including biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and enhanced ecosystem services.
The recognition of Telangana's environmental performance is a testament to the state's commitment to sustainable development and underscores the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding the environment. The success achieved by Telangana serves as an inspiration for other states in India to prioritize environmental conservation and adopt similar initiatives for a greener future.