Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Governor Challenges ‘Save Paper, Save Trees’ Slogan
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla spoke at a paper industry conference in Hyderabad.
He said paper-making mostly uses wood from fast-growing crops, not natural forests.
He therefore said the slogan “Save Paper, Save Trees” can give people the wrong idea.
He also said paper is still useful for learning, government work and sharing ideas, even as more things go digital.
The conference brought together more than 1,000 paper traders.
ITC CEO Rajesh Ponnuru said the industry supports many farmers and businesses.
Shukla also urged industry groups to work with the government on GST differences.
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said paper production does not deplete natural forests because timber is largely sourced from fast-growing agroforestry crops.
Speaking at the 65th FPTA annual general meeting and conference 2026, Shukla called “Save Paper, Save Trees” misleading.
The three-day conference is being held in Hyderabad after a 19-year gap and has drawn more than 1,000 paper traders from across India.
Shukla said paper remains important for education, literacy, governance, culture and public dialogue despite increasing digitisation.
ITC CEO Rajesh Ponnuru said the industry supports more than five lakh farmers, 600 mills, 6,000 traders and one lakh printers.
- Who
- Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and ITC CEO Rajesh Ponnuru addressed paper industry representatives.
- What
- Shukla challenged the “Save Paper, Save Trees” slogan, saying timber is largely sourced from fast-growing agroforestry crops.
- When
- Sunday; the event was the 65th FPTA annual general meeting and conference 2026.
- Where
- Novotel HICC, Hyderabad.
- Why
- Shukla said the slogan misinforms the public about timber sourcing and emphasized paper’s continuing uses.
Slogan’s warning
Governor’s industry argument
Paper use and forests
Slogan’s warning
The slogan “Save Paper, Save Trees” presents saving paper as a way to protect trees.
Governor’s industry argument
Shukla said the slogan misinforms the public because paper-industry timber is largely sourced from fast-growing agroforestry crops rather than natural forests.
- Event
- 65th FPTA annual general meeting and conference 2026
- Duration
- Three days
- Attendance
- More than 1,000 paper traders from across India
- Venue
- Novotel HICC, Hyderabad
- Return to Hyderabad
- The conference is being held there after 19 years
- Industry figures cited
- More than five lakh farmers, 600 mills, 6,000 traders and one lakh printers
- Policy issue raised
- GST disparities