‘Tree man’ of Telangana: Padma Shri awardee Daripalli Ramaiah passes away
Hyderabad, Apr 12 (PTI): Padma Shri awardee 'Vanajeevi' Ramaiah died in Khammam district of Telangana on Saturday, family sources said.
He suffered a heart attack at his house in Reddipalli village, they said.
He was 87.
Daripalli Ramaiah, popularly known as the green crusader, “Chettu (tree) Ramaiah” or “Vanajeevi" in Khammam district, for planting more than one crore saplings over the last several decades, was recipient of Padma Shri Award for 2017.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy condoled the death of Ramaiah and said his demise is an "irreparable loss" to the society.
The Chief Minister further said Daripalli Ramaiah, strongly believed that survival of mankind is impossible without nature and environment, a release from CMO said.
"Ramaiah launched plantation as an individual and influenced the entire society," Revanth Reddy said adding the Padma Shri awardee inspired the youth by dedicating entire life to environmental protection.
The CM conveyed deep sympathies to the bereaved family members.
Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar, BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao and several other leaders condoled the demise of Ramaiah.
In his message, Kishan Reddy said Ramaiah planted over one crore saplings during his lifetime and was at the forefront of protecting and furthering nature and the environment.
Paying homage to the departed soul, Sanjay Kumar said the demise of the green crusader, who was awarded Padma Shri, is a loss to Telangana and the cause of nature.
KCR said Ramaiah's life stands as a role model for future generations in conserving the environment.
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17 dead in massive fire near Hyderabad's Charminar, PM announces ex-gratia
Hyderabad: At least 17 people have died after a massive fire broke out in a building near Hyderabad’s iconic Charminar early Saturday morning, NDTV reported. blaze broke out in a commercial-cum-residential building located in the densely populated Gulzar House area, which is known for its row of jewellery shops.
Preliminary reports suggest that a short circuit may have triggered the fire, though the exact cause is yet to be confirmed. According to fire department officials, they received an emergency call at around 6:30 am and immediately dispatched 11 fire engines to the site. Several individuals sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, who visited the site, confirmed that the victims included members of a family living above their shop. "Such incidents are extremely tragic. Though I am not blaming anyone, there is a need to strengthen our police, municipal, fire, and electricity departments. I have been informed that firefighters initially lacked proper equipment. I will speak to the Prime Minister and request central support for the affected families," he said.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock over the tragedy. He directed officials to intensify relief measures and ensure that the injured receive the best possible treatment. State Minister Ponnam Prabhakar added that all the bodies have been recovered and shifted to hospitals, and the government will soon release further details.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) also issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), expressing grief. "Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy in Hyderabad, Telangana. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon," the statement read. The PMO announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased, and Rs. 50,000 for the injured.
Rescue operations have since concluded, and an investigation into the incident is underway.
