Renowned environmentalist Jalagam Rao, aged 94, has passed away.
Captain Jalagam Rama Rao, a distinguished environmentalist and retired Indian Navy officer, passed away peacefully at his Banjara Hills residence on Tuesday at the age of 94. Jalagam Rao was not only a decorated naval officer but also a dedicated advocate for environmental causes.
Born into a notable family, Jalagam Rao was the sibling of the former Andhra Pradesh chief minister, Jalagan Vengal Rao. Captain Rama Rao held an electrical engineering degree from the College of Engineering, Guindy in Chennai and commenced his illustrious career when he joined the Indian Navy in 1953. Jalagam Rao exemplary service was recognized with the prestigious Vishisht Seva Medal.
In 1975, Captain Rama Rao made the decision to take voluntary retirement from the Navy. Following his retirement, Jalagam Rao ventured into the world of industry, becoming an accomplished industrialist over two decades. However, it was Jalagam Rao deep-rooted concern for the environment that ultimately became his life’s mission.
Tragically, Jalagam Rao lost his wife, Sirisha, in 1994, and as they did not have any children, Captain Rama Rao found support and care from his nephew, Jalagam Vinod Rao, until his passing. Vinod Rao, expressing his admiration for his uncle, credited him as an inspiration for the younger generation. Captain Rama Rao’s entrepreneurial skills inspired Vinod Rao to establish his own startup. Captain Rama Rao was known for his numerous startups and astute business acumen, which he maintained until his final days, fueled by his unwavering dedication to environmental issues.
One of Captain Rama Rao’s notable achievements was his pivotal role in the introduction of Government Order 111 (GO 111) during the tenure of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in 1996. This order imposed stringent restrictions on construction activities in 84 villages within the catchment areas of the Osmansagar and Himayatsagar twin reservoirs, safeguarding these critical water sources.
In 2000, Captain Rama Rao collaborated with other like-minded environmentalists, including Prof. C. Ramachandraiah and Sarvottam Rao, to establish the Forum for a Better Hyderabad. This organization aimed to champion the cause of conserving water bodies, soil, and air, while also addressing urban planning and traffic management issues. Prior to this, Captain Rama Rao had also been associated with the Society for Preservation of Environment & Quality Of Life (Speql).
The environmental community and his peers remembered Captain Rama Rao as a person of unwavering integrity and nobility. Jalagam Rao meticulous and disciplined approach was shaped by his Navy background. Prof. C. Ramachandraiah, a retired professor from the Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS), fondly recalled his partnership with Captain Rao in the formation of the Forum for Better Hyderabad. Captain Rama Rao served as the founder chairman, and his punctuality and dedication were a source of inspiration and guidance for his colleagues.
Prof. K. Purushottam Reddy, while paying tribute to Captain J. Rama Rao, described him as a true gentleman and an inspirational figure. Captain Rama Rao, alongside other prominent individuals, including Dr. V.K. Bawa, Pratap Singh IPS, Jeevanand Reddy, and Prof. T. Shivaji Rao, played a vital role in the movement to protect water bodies in Andhra Pradesh and Hyderabad.
Captain Rama Rao’s strength lay in his well-documented correspondence with the government through letters and his meticulous paperwork. Colleague Donthi Narasimha Reddy remembered him as a diligent and hardworking individual, unmatched in his dedication to documentation. Captain Jalagam Rama Rao’s activism was a testament to his commitment to the environment, characterized by his genial and humble nature.
The Navy Foundation, Hyderabad Chapter, expressed its condolences on the passing of Captain Rama Rao, recognizing his exceptional contributions to both the armed forces and the environmental cause.
Captain Jalagam Rama Rao’s mortal remains will be cremated at 9 am at Mahaprasthanam on Wednesday, marking the end of an era for environmental activism and a life lived in the service of his nation and planet. Jalagam Rao legacy as a dedicated environmentalist and exemplary individual will continue to inspire generations to come.