Haritha Haram: Fourth phase to be completed by end of this September

Telangana government is keen on completing the plantation of saplings under the fourth phase of Haritha Haram programme by the end of September besides commencing development of nurseries to supply saplings for the next phase of the programme. So far, plantation of about 59 per cent of 40 crore saplings targeted, has been completed as on Tuesday.The State government decided to plant 230 crore saplings under the Telangana ku Haritha Haram programme. Of this, about 81 crore saplings were already planted in the last three phases and another 40 crore will be planted in the ongoing fourth phase. Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao had set a target of plantation of 100 crore saplings for next phase of Haritha Haram. 

During a video conference with district officials from the State Secretariat on Tuesday, Chief Secretary SK Joshi directed district Collectors to identify necessary saplings based on local demand and arrange for their supply to people. Medchal Malkajgiri district has completed its cent per cent target and stood first in completing the fourth phase of Haritha Haram, while the districts of Vikarabad, Jogulamba Gadwal, Karimnagar and Jayashankar Bhupalpally are in the last among the districts implementing the programme. The district authorities blamed heavy rains and agricultural activities for delay in completing the targets.

The Chief Secretary directed Collectors to conduct district level coordination committee meetings to identify plants which are in demand and establish nurseries for growing necessary saplings for the next phase of Haritha Haram. While Rural Development Department has been entrusted with the responsibility of growing 62 crore saplings for the next phase, the Forest Department has been asked to raise another 22 crore saplings. The remaining saplings will be raised by the municipal administration and other departments.