Telangana CM Revanth Reddy instructs district collectors to launch unique flagship programmes

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 17 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed all district collectors to design and implement unique flagship programmes based on the resources and regional conditions of their respective districts. The CM emphasised the importance of collectors making their own significant contributions to the implementation of these schemes and programmes in their districts.

According to an official statement, in the post-lunch session, the Chief Minister gave specific directions to the collectors and SPs regarding the implementation of the Six Guarantees, prioritising welfare schemes. The CM highlighted the need to address the delay in land acquisition for national highways, as it increases the cost of highway development projects. He urged officials to balance development and welfare initiatives. Ministers and in-charge ministers were advised to make the necessary arrangements for each programme.

The CM stressed that planting fruit trees in forest lands would increase tribal income and improve green cover. Tribals, who primarily rely on podu cultivation, should be encouraged to plant fruit-bearing trees such as mango, guava, and custard apple on their lands to earn regular income each season. Hybrid plants, which grow quickly, can yield fruits in just four or five years.

Officials were instructed to conduct drone surveys to identify vacant lands in forests and launch a plantation programme after soil testing. Planting fruit-bearing trees would also help address the growing monkey menace. The CM emphasised the need to revive the plantation of medicinal trees in Vikarabad forests, which were once renowned for their valuable flora.

Recognising the popularity of the Tadoba forest area in Maharashtra’s Tiger Safari among tourists from Telangana, the CM instructed officials to develop forest tourism in Adilabad district, which is known for its dense forests. This includes providing a tiger habitation with water and other facilities.

The CM said that the plantations under Vana Mahotsavam should be sustainable for at least 50 years and ordered collectors to visit forest areas monthly. Due to the scarcity of government lands, officials were asked to plant palm and Indian palm along project embankments, canal embankments, and roadsides. Planting hybrid saplings will generate income for toddy tappers in just three or four years.