AP Forest Dept conducts drone-based seed-ball sowing to boost forest regeneration in Kakinada
Kakinada, July 20 (TNT) :The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department on Monday conducted an experimental seed-ball sowing programme using a drone in the interior reserve forests of Kakinada district to promote forest regeneration and biodiversity conservation.
The exercise was carried out in Compartment No. 638 of the Thetagunta Reserve Forest under the S. Agraharam Beat of Sankhavaram Section in the Yeleswaram Forest Range.
Yeleswaram Forest Ranger Durga Ramprasad said the initiative was aimed at reviving degraded forest areas, enhancing green cover and conserving biodiversity in inaccessible forest regions.
He said the operation was undertaken on the instructions of District Forest Officer N. Ramachandra Rao, with an advanced drone deployed to disperse seed balls over a large area in a short time.
The Ranger said the use of drones would facilitate natural forest regeneration and help expand forest cover in difficult terrain. Based on the outcome of the pilot exercise, the department plans to continue using drone technology for afforestation and forest restoration programmes.
Forest officials, staff and drone technicians participated in the experimental programme.
TNT TMR
