Hyderabad: Roads and Buildings Minister, Tummala Nageshwara Rao today directed the officials concerned to focus on massive green drive under Haritha Haram on national highways and state highways and also take up beautification works with all measures. He also expressed displeasure at the tardy pace of works pertaining to Haritha Haram on the national and state highways.
At a review meeting with officials concerned at Secretariat here, he sought to know as to why green drive program is not being taken up in full swing. As per directive of Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao the officials have to take up planting saplings with flowers as that of in Pujnab state. He also asked for innovative and role model of saplings to be planted with beautification works on all the highways. He stressed the need for planting saplings of flowers, fruits, shade and others on the highways in the state and taking every step to protect them. Plant Neem and Papal saplings and others on a massive scale for longevity and ensure that they are protected for creating a beautiful and attractive scenario on the roads through green drive. Take up Haritha Haram program under NHAI he said.
Tummala also expressed discontent at low plantation on roads as per EPC agreement and for taking up greenery in one row or two rows instead of three rows. The green drive on the highways is on slow pace and has to be speeded up. The minister asked to plant saplings at places without EPC project, roads leading to other states, within the state and districts and use funds of town planning wing. Allot one per cent funds of estimates for the green program and give works of tree guards and protection responsibility to contractors and avoid planting Gulmohar saplings.
Roads and buildings Principal secretary Sunil Sharma, CMO Secretary Priyanka Varghese and officials were present. (NSS)
