Konda Surekha assumes charge as TS environment and forest minister

Warangal: Minister MLA Konda Surekha took charge of her environment and forests and endowments portfolios in the presence of her family members and senior officials at the Secretariat on Sunday.

The minister signed her first file, which pertained to doubling the ex gratia to the families of victims killed in human-animal conflicts from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. She also signed a file that allows bringing elephants from other states for festivals and events.

Surekha said that she would provide hundred per cent support to all developmental activities in the departments under her.

Later, the minister held a meeting with officials of the forest department and issued guidelines for improving greenery and to work with the people as praja sevaks.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) R.M. Dobriyal, head of the forest force, apprised her of the department;s developmental activities and plans to improve forests and wildlife in collaboration with other departments and private organisations.

Surekha released a poster on the need to control environmental pollution.

BC welfare and transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Dobriyal and officials of the forest department, including M.C. Pargain, Elusing Meru, Dr Suvarna, G. Chandra Shekar Rao and Sunitha M. Bhagwat, were also present.

• Urges officials to contain pollution levels and protect forests and wildlife