Police, Forest officials not allowed to enter RoFR land: Deputy CM

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has said that Police and Forest officials were not allowed to enter the lands falling under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) category.

He was chairing a review meeting with officials of both Khammam and Bhadradri Kothagudem at the Integrated District Offices Complex in Palvancha on Sunday.

The meeting was attended by Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, and Animal Husbandry Minister and Khammam district in-charge Vakiti Srihari.

It reviewed flood preparedness, implementation of welfare schemes and other key policy initiatives, official sources said.

Addressing the review meeting, the Deputy CM said that farmers cultivating RoFR lands would be provided solar pump sets, sprinklers, drip irrigation systems and saplings of fruit crops, free of cost, under the Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme. The flagship scheme will benefit tribal farmers holding land titles under the RoFR Act across the State over the next three years.

He emphasised that there is no shortage of urea and the government is taking all the necessary steps to meet the demand for urea in the current kharif season.

He directed the officials to prepare plans to promote fish seed farming through women self-help groups in each district. The government is presently releasing 89 crore fish seed into water bodies annually by purchasing them from other areas, he noted, highlighting the vast potential for creation of livelihood and income generating opportunities for women by involving the SHGs in fish seed farming.

He asked the officials to submit details of number of saplings planted under Vanamahotsavam programme over the past ten years, expenditure incurred and survival rate.

Mr. Vikramarka instructed the officials to ensure quality food is served to students in Welfare and Gurukul schools in strict adherence to the prescribed menu and regular medical check-ups for students.