Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan urged the state to become a national leader in mangrove conservation, highlighting their role as natural barriers against cyclones and erosion along its 1,052-km coastline. He announced plans to protect existing mangroves and expand new plantations, aiming to create a three-tier green belt and involve local communities for sustainable income through skill development and eco-tourism. The government also aims to increase the state's green cover to 50%.