Padma Shri Awardee Daripalli Ramaiah, Man Who Planted Over Crore Trees, Dies At 87

Hyderabad: 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.

About Daripalli Ramaiah

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 a recipient of the Padma Shri Award for 2017.

D. Ramaiah, popularly known as #TreeMan of #Telangana passes away in his native village, Reddy Palli in Khammam district.

He planted over one crore saplings during his lifetime and was deeply committed to raising awareness about the importance of trees.

Ramaiah was honoured… pic.twitter.com/NX9npMOv4Q

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) April 12, 2025

PM Narendra Modi tweets, "Daripalli Ramaiah Garu will be remembered as a champion of sustainability. He devoted his life to planting and protecting lakhs of trees. His tireless efforts reflected a deep love for nature and care for future generations. His work will keep motivating… pic.twitter.com/Aw2kkP69qJ

— IANS (@ians_india) April 12, 2025

CM A Revanth Reddy Offers His Condolences

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 the survival of mankind is impossible without nature and environment, a release from the CMO said.

"Ramaiah launched a plantation as an individual and influenced the entire society," Revanth Reddy said, adding the Padma Shri awardee inspired the youth by dedicating his 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.

(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)