Telangana environmentalist, Padma Shri awardee Daripalli Ramaiah dies at 87

Popularly known as “Vanajeevi Ramaiah” (forest dweller Ramaiah), the nature lover is survived by his wife, Janakamma, and four sons. “He was suffering from age-related issues for quite some time and suffered a heart attack at his residence in Reddipalli village early in the morning. He was shifted to Khammam government hospital, where he was declared brought dead on arrival,” Janakamma told local reporters.

Also, called the “tree-man” of Telangana, Ramaiah embarked on a lifetime mission of developing plantation and conservation of trees, while undertaking agriculture in his native Reddipalli village. “He planted one crore saplings in different parts of Khammam district and even used part of his three-acre land to grow trees,” said Satyanarayana, a local villager.

He added that Ramaiah used to wear a green board around his neck with the slogan, “Vriksho Rakshati Rakshita,” (Save tree, it will save you) written on it, as he used to go around places to spread awareness. He was often seen riding his bicycle with seeds and saplings in his bag and sowing them, wherever he would find a barren land, Satyanarayana said.