Telangana a rich State, asserts KCR

Hyderabad: Giving a pep talk on the occasion of launching Haritha Haram, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has claimed that Telangana is still a rich state and has plenty of resources to mobilise funds up to Rs 1,000 crore in short time.

Speaking after launching Haritha Haram at Narsapur in Medal district on Thursday, the Chief Minister said farmers in Telangana also have enough money in their pockets, an indication of state's healthy economy even in the crisis time.

KCR rebuked Opposition criticism that Telangana landed in deep financial crisis after the enforcement of the lockdown.

He clarified that the state had experienced unforeseen gloomy economic situation in the lockdown for three months and now the state financial position is picking up in the Unlock – 1 period from June first week.

Stating that the recently launched regulated farming will bring revolutionary changes in farmers' lives, the Chief Minister claimed that the state government has succeeded in making farmers happy in the lockdown period by making available to them required financial support through Rythu Bandhu and the payment for foodgrain procurement.

"We can find money in the pockets of every farmer now," he added. Undeterred by the current corona crisis, farmers are confident of taking up activity in the kharif season, as they have required capital in their hands, KCR said, adding that the government is preparing a plan to create a platform to provide remunerative prices for all farm produce.

Expressing serious concern over the fast depleting forest cover in Telangana, KCR warned of stringent action against timber smugglers. He exhorted the people to play the role of watch dog in the conservation of forests.

He also instructed the Prinicipal Chief Conservator of Forest to dismiss the officials if they failed in conserving forests or indulge in smuggling and destruction of forests.

Forests in Telangana are hot spots for film shooting in the past and the officials should now ensure that the forest cover was restored to its original glory.