Hyderabad(Dec, 17) : Minister Konda Surekha officially assumed the role of Minister of Environment and Forests & Endowments on Sunday. The ceremony took place in her chambers at the BR Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat at 8:45 a.m. In attendance were her family members and senior officials from the department. Shortly after taking charge, the Minister signed her first file, approving an increase in ex-gratia for families affected by human-animal conflicts.
The compensation for loss of human life was raised from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. Detailed instructions and rules regarding this adjustment will be issued soon. Additionally, the Minister endorsed a file related to bringing elephants from other states for various festivals and events in Telangana.
Expressing her joy at being appointed as the Minister for Forests and Environment, she pledged 100% support for the development activities of the Forest Department.
The ceremony was attended by BC Welfare and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, several MLAs, leaders from the Minister’s constituency, and officials including Addl. Chief Secretary, EFS&T, PCCF (HoFF) R.M. Dobriyal, and other dignitaries.
In an effort to address environmental concerns, Minister Surekha released posters on environmental pollution and urged officials to devise effective plans to control pollution while safeguarding forests and wildlife. Subsequently, she held a meeting with Forest Department officials, providing guidelines for enhancing greenery in Telangana State. Emphasizing collaboration with the public, she urged officers to align with the directives of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana by acting as “Praja Sevaks.”
PCCF (HoFF) R.M. Dobriyal, IFS of Telangana State, explained that ongoing and proposed developmental activities aim to improve Forests & Wildlife in collaboration with other departments and private organizations.
