Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister KT Rama Rao today said that the government aims to increase its forest cover to 33 per cent for attracting adequate rains to route out perennial drought situation from the state. KTR made visits to some villages in his Siricilla constituency in Karimnagar district and planted saplings at a few places.
On the occasion he wooed the people to turn out in huge numbers to participate in the green drive for fighting pollution and getting abundant waters in lakes for ponds for timely supply of waters to crops. He also stated that Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is committed to involve the people in the massive afforestation program to plant 46 cr saplings a year and 230 cr over five years. Our plan is to increase the forest cover to 33 per cent from existing 24 per cent and to reach the target people should avoid thinking that the green drive is of the government he said. He claimed that as many as 7 lakhs of saplings were planted in four mandals in the district and plan is to ensure that 28 lakhs saplings are planted in a year in the segment. Our job is to restore the forests that have been perished over the decades for the negligence of the previous governments, he said.
The people should try to plant saplings on the occasion of birthdays, functions and occasions to serve the purpose he noted. The Green Drive will be a great success when the people join the officials and leaders to plant and protect them in a big way, KTR stated. He also promised to complete the remaining development works in the district and funds for the green drive and other development works being taken up. (NSS)