In a heartwarming tribute to grassroots activism, the Andhra Pradesh government marked World Environment Day 2025 by appointing forest conservationist Anka Rao as its Special Advisor for environmental conservation. The announcement was made during the Environment Day celebrations held in the presence of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.

Chandrababu Naidu praised Anka Rao’s lifelong dedication to preserving the natural ecosystem, particularly his selfless work in the Nallamala forest region. Official orders for his appointment as a special advisor will be issued soon, giving Rao an influential platform to implement his vision for a greener Andhra Pradesh.

Anka Rao, who lives near the Nallamala forest, has spent years cleaning up plastic waste left behind by tourists in the dense jungle. He also grows millets on a one-acre patch of land bordering the forest, not for commercial use, but to feed birds and wild animals, promoting local biodiversity. His lifestyle, deeply embedded in sustainable living, has earned him immense respect among conservation circles across India.

This government appointment is not just a personal recognition for Rao but a strong signal that environmental protection can start with individual effort and be elevated to state-level policy. As Special Advisor, Rao will likely guide policies related to forest preservation, anti-plastic campaigns, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture.

With Andhra Pradesh stepping up its conservation efforts, this rare and impactful appointment sets a precedent for recognizing real-world action over symbolic gestures. Anka Rao’s transition from a solitary conservationist to an official voice in government is a powerful example of citizen-led change gaining institutional support.