Bhatti: No Entry For Officials In Forest Lands Cultivated By Farmers
He announced that farmers cultivating under ROFR would be provided with solar pump sets, sprinklers, drip irrigation systems, and horticulture crops free of cost under the Indira Soura Giri Jalavikasam scheme
Nalgonda: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Sunday asserted that, under the Recognition of Forest Rights (ROFR) Act, police and forest officials are not permitted to enter lands where farmers are cultivating.
Accompanied by ministers Vakati Srihari, Thummala Nageswara Rao, and Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, he held a review meeting with officials from Khammam and Kothagudem districts at the IDOC building in Palwancha, Bhadadri-Kothagudem district.
Speaking on the occasion, he announced that farmers cultivating under ROFR would be provided with solar pump sets, sprinklers, drip irrigation systems, and horticulture crops free of cost under the Indira Soura Giri Jalavikasam scheme. The scheme has an allocated budget of ₹12,600 crore over the next three years.
Bhatti emphasised that proposals for Roads & Buildings (R&B) and Panchayat Raj roads are being delayed due to inaction by some MLAs, despite the government already planning ₹20,000 crore for road infrastructure. He reassured that there is no shortage of urea and that the government is taking all necessary steps to meet the demand, urging the public not to worry.
He stated that the government is giving serious attention to welfare programmes. Subsidised rice is being supplied to all families, and with the implementation of the 200 units free electricity scheme, 85 per cent of rural households are now exempt from paying electricity bills.
He further noted that Aarogyasri health coverage has been enhanced to ₹10 lakh per family. Citizens facing issues with their health cards can approach their respective district collectors. On the free bus travel scheme for women, he highlighted that over 200 crore free rides have been availed so far, and the government has paid ₹6,880 crore to the RTC on behalf of the beneficiaries.
On housing, the Deputy CM said the Indiramma Housing Scheme would be a landmark initiative in India's history. In the first phase, construction of 6.5 lakh houses, 3,500 per constituency, will begin, with a budget allocation of ₹5 lakh per house, totalling ₹22,500 crore. He added that the government is ready with a week-wise fund release schedule and the only pending step is starting construction.
He suggested that MLAs celebrate the traditional Muggulu (rangoli drawing) festival with two young girls in every village to promote cultural traditions.
Further, he directed officials to prepare district-wise plans to promote fish seed farming through women’s self-help groups (SHGs). Currently, the government releases 89 crore fish seed into water bodies annually, sourcing them from outside the state. If SHGs take up local fish seed production, it would not only create employment but also grow into a large-scale business. Collectors were instructed to prepare actionable plans for the same.
On the flood situation, he said that Godavari river levels are currently under control with no warnings issued yet. However, he directed officials to undertake extensive relief measures and ensure life jackets are available. A control room should remain functional until the end of the monsoon season.
Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy also instructed officials to take measures to prevent flooding from the Munneru and Godavari rivers, which previously submerged residential areas in Khammam and Kothagudem. He directed the municipal, revenue, and health departments to prepare for flood response, including shifting people from low-lying areas to shelter homes, desilting drainage canals, and conducting health camps when floods occur.
