Time to turn Telangana into a 'golden' state, says KCR

Sangareddy, Jul 4: Telangana was ruled by Andhra rulers for over 58 years and they "destroyed" the region's natural resources and vast forests, but now the new state will be turned into a 'golden' province, Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao said today.

"Before it became a separate state last year, Telangana was ruled by Andhra rulers for over 58 years. These rulers ruined our culture, heritage, natural resources and destroyed forests. Now Telangana is a separate state and it is our responsibility to usher in a 'golden' era," he said.

The Chief Minister was speaking after planting a sapling in the premises of Mandal Praja Parishad Office building at Siddipet in Medak district. Rao was here to participate in his government's pet programme 'Telangana ku haritha haram' (an afforestation drive for increasing the State's green cover).

Greenery is the only cost effective option to ensure plentiful rains, prevent drought and protect the environment.

Drought will vanish from Telangana in the next three years if 'haritha haram' becomes successful, he maintained. Addressing the local issues, Rao assured people that within the next three years agriculture land in Siddipet will be irrigated through Gadavari water.

The long-pending dream of linking Siddipet with rail network is set to become a reality as the Centre will take up the project shortly, the Chief Minister maintained.

State Ministers Jogu Ramanna and Harish Rao and Deputy Assembly Speaker Padma Devender Reddy, among others, were present on the occasion.

PTI