Andhra Pradesh is developing a large-scale green belt along its coastline under the Great Green Wall of Andhra Pradesh initiative. The programme aims to strengthen natural coastal protection against cyclones, strong winds and coastal erosion. The Forest Department has set a target of collecting and planting 55 lakh palm seedlings across 5,499 hectares. Mangrove forests will form the first tier of the planned coastal protection system. Palm groves will constitute the second tier and are expected to act as natural windbreaks along suitable coastal stretches. The broader initiative also includes shelter belts, community forests and other forms of ecological restoration. Around 13 lakh palm seedlings have already been collected with participation from rural communities and various organisations. About 1.65 lakh seedlings have already been planted as part of the current drive. The initiative is being implemented across Andhra Pradesh’s vulnerable coastal areas, including the Visakhapatnam region. Earlier plans identified a 5-km-wide green belt along the coast as part of the State’s long-term coastal protection strategy. The project is also intended to restore biodiversity, stabilise coastal soils and strengthen ecological resilience. The government is encouraging local communities, educational institutions and voluntary organisations to participate in plantation and conservation activities.