For green drive success, Telangana CM to keep tabs on all

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has decided to keep tabs on the role of ministers, legislators, party leaders and officials in the success of Haritha Haram!

Not only that, the CM has even cautioned them that he would reveal the names of those who fail to do well at an appropriate time. “I will get progress report daily from various sources from across the state. Non-performers will be punished severely and exposed,” he warned.

The CM also warned of stringent action against smugglers and anyone who destroys forest wealth. He reminded that action was already taken in Adilabad and Karimnagar districts.

Mr Rao, who launched the 25 lakh Haritha Haram programme by planting saplings at NIMS, later asked CMO additional secretaries Bhupal Reddy and Priyanka Varghese and asked them to keep track of the programme and submit a report to him.

“Get daily reports on the progress of the programme and check the shortcomings. I will take stringent action if anyone is negligent. I will not tolerate any lethargy, by anyone,” Mr Rao told officials.

Stating that Opposition criticism has no takers, he said, “Forests depleted in Telangana due to neglect by the previous governments. I want all collectors and SPs to work in tandem for the success of the programme.”

Mr Rao instructed the Chief Secretary to monitor the progress of the fortnight-long programme and ensure that it is carried out as per the guidelines issued.

“This programme should reflect the commitment of MLAs, MLCs, MPs, ministers to sarpanches besides officials. It’s a test. They should not take it casually. We have to treat it as a gift for the future of Telangana. We now have chance to rectify the mistakes of the past,” he told CMO officials.

“It’s mandatory for officials in every mandal to plant saplings and protect them. Merely planting saplings is not enough, they have to protect it,” Mr Rao said.