Chief Minister Revanth Reddy ordered officials to prepare plans to develop eco-tourism in the state. Forest Department officials were asked to work with the Tourism Department to prepare proposals to develop eco-tourism projects.
The Chief Minister asked officials to identify scenic forests, wild animal habitations, spots with migratory foreign birds, biodiversity areas, heritage sites and areas which reflect Telangana’s culture to develop them as tourism spots. The CM said that proposals should be made so that tourist spots get international recognition for natural beauty.
The CM suggested that consultancies should be hired if necessary to prepare proposals to develop eco-tourism projects. Officials were told to look into the possibilities of developing Kawal in north Telangana and the Amrabad Tiger Reserve project in south Telangana as tourist spots.
The CM emphasised a special tourism policy should be introduced to ensure that wild animals are not harmed by tourism projects.
The officials were asked to conduct a study in states where camps are provided for tourists in forest areas. The safety and security measures followed in camps should be implemented in the state as well.
The CM held a review with Forest Department officials at the Secretariat on Friday. Environment and Forest Minister Konda Surekha, Forest Department Principal Secretary Vani Prasad, PCCF Dobriyal, CMO Principal Secretary Seshadri, CM’s Secretary Chandra Shekhar Reddy and other officials attended the meeting.
The CM ordered officials to submit details of employees who are on deputation from the Forest Department and working in other departments immediately. Steps will be taken to send them back.
The officials brought to the CM’s attention that employees who have been working in the same place for years should be transferred and the ban on transfers should be lifted.
Responding to it, the Chief Minister said that as Lok Sabha elections are approaching fast a decision on transfers will be taken after the Election Code is lifted.
The CM suggested that transfers should be completed in the summer to avoid affecting the education of the employees’ children. The officials were directed to prepare guidelines for general transfers so that employees who have been working in the same place for years can be transferred not only in the forest department but in all departments.
The CM asserted companies which follow pollution control norms strictly must be encouraged. Certificates of appreciation will be given to companies which maintain zero pollution on Environment Day every year.
The CM asked officials to study the feasibility of establishing solid waste management and power generation plants in Karimnagar, Warangal and Khammam.
The CM instructed officials to take strict measures to control the use of single-use plastic. He said that notices will be issued to companies that violate rules and that heavy fines will also be imposed.
The CM discussed the IFS cadre strength in the state. Out of 81 IFS posts sanctioned in the state, only 55 posts have been filled. The meeting decided to appeal to the Centre to allot adequate IFS officials.
The forest officials informed the CM that about 22 crore plants are available in state nurseries. The Chief Minister suggested that arrangements should be made to launch a plantation programme in June when the rainy season starts. The officials were instructed to launch a plantation drive on vacant lands. Steps will be taken to supply water by drilling borewells.
The authorities were directed to construct a compound wall or install fencing around encroached forest lands. The CM also suggested making optimum use of CAMPA funds.
