Metro India News | Khammam

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka made it clear that the forest and police officials should not enter ROFR (Recognition of Forest Rights) lands. The Deputy Chief Minister held a review meeting with officials of Khammam and Kothagudem districts on flood preparedness during the monsoon season, relief measures for citizens, welfare schemes and the provision of emergency services in Kothagudem districts headquarters on Sunday. Ministers Vakati Srihari (Khammam district in-charge), Thummala Nageswara Rao and Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, MPs, MLAs, and other elected representatives attended the meeting.

Speaking on the occasion, Bhatti Vikramarka emphasised that under the ROFR Act, police and forest officials are not allowed to enter lands where farmers are cultivating. "Farmers cultivating under ROFR will be provided solar pump sets, sprinklers, drip irrigation systems, and horticulture crops free of cost under the Indira Soura Giri Jalavikasam scheme. An expenditure of Rs.12,600 crore is planned under this scheme over the next three years," he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister emphasised that proposals for R&B and Panchayat Raj roads are being delayed by MLAs, while the government has already drawn up a Rs.20,000 crore plan for road infrastructure. There is no shortage of urea, and the government is taking all necessary steps to meet the demand — there is no need for public concern, he said. The Deputy Chief Minister informed officials that subsidised rice is being supplied to all families, and with the 200 units of free electricity scheme, 85 percent of rural households are now free from electricity bill payments.

Stating that the Indiramma Housing Scheme will be a landmark in India’s history, the Deputy Chief Minister said that in the first phase, construction of 6.5 lakh houses across the state will commence — 3,500 houses per constituency, with Rs.5 lakh allocation per house, totaling an expenditure of Rs.22,500 crore. The only delay now is in starting construction; the government is ready with a week-wise fund release schedule, he said.

Bhatti Vikramarka suggested that MLAs celebrate the traditional festival of Muggulu (rangoli drawing) with two young girls in every festival. He directed that officials prepare plans to promote fish seed farming through women’s self-help groups in each district. Currently, the government is releasing 89 crore fish seed into water bodies annually, purchasing them from other areas. Instead, if SHG members in every district take up fish farming, it will create employment and evolve into a large-scale business. Collectors were instructed to prepare plans accordingly, he said.

Bhatti Vikramarka noted that Godavari floods are currently under control with no warning alerts issued so far. However, officials must undertake extensive flood relief measures and ensure life jackets are available. He instructed that a control room should remain operational until the monsoon ends.