Guntur: The forest department has launched a drone-based seed ball sowing programme for the first time in the state to scatter seed balls for forest regeneration. Seed balls have been prepared and are being dispersed across identified forest regions. She stated that the use of drone technology enables the department to sow seed balls even in dense forests that are difficult for people to access. She said that around 3 lakh seed balls have been prepared for dispersal in the Guntur Forest Range using drones. Degraded forest areas within the Guntur Division have been identified, and restoration measures have been taken up.