Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara, Godavari Pushkaras to be organised on a grand scale

Endowments, Forest, Environment departments told to ensure that infrastructure projects are developed on a permanent basis for long-term benefits

HYDERABAD: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu and Forest Minister Konda Surekha directed officials to prepare comprehensive plans for organising the Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara and Godavari Pushkaras on a grand scale.

During a pre-budget meeting held here on Tuesday, officials from Endowments, Forest and Environment departments were instructed to ensure that infrastructure projects were developed on a permanent basis for long-term benefits.

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The Deputy Chief Minister said though tribal farmers were given pattas for the Podu lands under the Forest Rights Act, they were facing problems due to lack of coordination with the Forest Department. A meeting would be convened with Forest, Tribal, Horticulture, Agriculture and Energy department officials soon to resolve the problems of tribal farmers, he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister also advised the officials to take up works under CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) on a big scale and protect greenery. The employment guarantee scheme should be used to construct check dams, he said.

The Vanamahotsav programme should be organised on a grand scale and students should be made partners in the programme, he added.