Daripalli Ramaiah, popularly known as Vanajeevi Ramaiah, a revered environmentalist and recipient of the Padma Shri award, passed away early Saturday morning( 12 April) at the district headquarters hospital in Khammam. He was 87.

• He died of heart attack at his residence in Reddipalli village in Khammam Rural mandal, Telangana.
• Ramaiah considered tree planting the ultimate mission of his life.
• He is credited with planting over one crore trees over the past six decades.
• He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2017 for his contributions to environmental conservation.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the demise of Padma Shri Daripalli Ramaiah.