Daripalli Ramaiah, Telangana's green crusader, dies at 87 - All you need to know about the Padma Shri awardee

Daripalli Ramaiah, the famous environmentalist of Telangana and Padma Shri awardee died at the age of 87. He breathed his last on Saturday, April 12, morning in Khammam. He died due to heart failure after a cardiac arrest proved to be fatal, family members confirmed.

While intimating about his death, his wife Janakamma said, “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," HT reported.

All about the nature lover and Padma Shri awardee

Renowned for his social forestry initiatives, he was locally known as 'Chetla Ramaiah' or Vanajeevi (forest dweller). Daripalli Ramaiah was honoured with the Padma Shri award in 2017. He received the acclaimed accolade for his invaluable contribution to extending tree cover.

A native of Reddipalli village, Telangana's “tree-man” used to wear a green board around his neck to spread awareness about the importance of conservation of trees. The slogan on his neckband stated, “Vriksho Rakshati Rakshita,” (Save tree, it will save you).

As per an ANI report, the nature lover is estimated to have planted over 1 crore saplings in and around the Khammam district during his life.

Born on July 1 in 1937, few years before India obtained independence from British rule, Daripalli Ramaiah was man devoted to conserve nature. He hailed from the Reddypally area of the Khammam district which is located in the eastern region of Telangana. Daripalli Ramaiah is survived by his wife, Janakamma, and four sons.

Daripalli Ramaiah's efforts receive recognition

A crusader for social forestry for more than 50 years, Daripalli Ramaiah received recognition for his work and was awarded with the Seva Award in 1995, the Vanamitra Award in 2005, and the National Innovations and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Award in 2015.