Hyderabad’s Deputy Chief Minister, Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, and Endowment Minister, Konda Surekha, have advised officials to start planning early for the Sammakka Saralamma festival and the Godavari Pushkaras. They emphasized the need for long-term development so that the projects undertaken with large funds remain useful in the future.
During a pre-budget meeting at the Secretariat with the Endowment and Forest departments, the ministers instructed officials to begin work immediately. They stressed that planning should focus on making improvements that will last for years to come.
The Deputy CM and Minister Surekha also directed officials to develop plans to attract tourists to the State’s forest areas, particularly those with tiger reserves. Additionally, they suggested developing urban parks around Hyderabad to provide relaxation spaces for IT professionals and their families, while also generating revenue for the State.
Vikramarka urged the Archaeology department to renovate ancient temples, highlighting the role of temples in promoting spirituality and financial growth. He noted that spirituality brings discipline to people’s lives. Officials were also advised to expand greenery under the CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) initiative. They suggested using the Employment Guarantee Scheme to build check dams and other developmental works.
The ministers also asked officials to find ways to generate more income through urban parks. They suggested organizing the Vanamahotsav programme on a grand scale and involving students in tree-planting activities. By planting saplings of at least two to two-and-a-half feet in height, they believe the survival rate of the plants could improve.
