Hyderabad: Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju on Tuesday directed district collectors to implement an El Nino crop plan by promoting diversification and crops requiring less water. He asked officials to prepare for anticipated dry conditions and continuously monitor seasonal developments across Telangana.
Jaju reviewed the seasonal situation, NEET-PG examination arrangements and tourism development during a video conference with district collectors. He conducted the review from the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat.
The Chief Secretary sought district-wise details about seasonal conditions. He also reviewed precautionary measures taken to prevent difficulties for residents. Officials were directed to continuously monitor weather conditions and respond immediately wherever necessary.
El Nino crop plan focuses on diversification
Jaju asked collectors to increase awareness among farmers about crop changes in view of the El Nino impact. He also directed them to focus on new agricultural practices suited to prevailing conditions.
The Chief Secretary asked districts to effectively implement the contingency crop plan prepared for the anticipated dry conditions. He stressed the need for crop diversification. Moreover, farmers should receive continuous guidance on crops suitable for the prevailing weather, he said.
Jaju particularly called for crops that required less water. As part of the diversification strategy, officials were asked to promote pulses, oilseeds, vegetables and horticultural crops.
The Chief Secretary directed district collectors and Agriculture Department officials to conduct field-level awareness programmes for farmers. The El Nino crop plan should help farmers adopt appropriate cultivation practices according to emerging seasonal conditions, he said.
NEET-PG arrangements reviewed for August 30
Jaju also reviewed preparations for the NEET-PG entrance examination scheduled for August 30. He directed district authorities to ensure that the examination proceeded smoothly and without disruptions.
Collectors were asked to focus on essential infrastructure at examination centres. Security, electricity, drinking water and transport arrangements required particular attention, he said.
The Chief Secretary also instructed officials from the departments concerned to work in coordination. He said authorities should ensure a peaceful environment for candidates appearing for the examination.
The NEET-PG examination was scheduled at centres in Hyderabad, Medchal-Malkajgiri and Rangareddy districts. It would also be conducted at another 30 centres across Telangana.
Jaju directed collectors to arrange strong security at the examination centres. He also sought uninterrupted power supply and other essential infrastructure at the centres.
The Chief Secretary said adequate arrangements were necessary to ensure the nationally conducted examination faced no disruptions.
Telangana Tourism 2047 development plans reviewed
Jaju also directed collectors to take planned measures for tourism development under the Telangana Tourism 2047 policy. He asked districts to identify major tourism destinations and improve infrastructure at those locations.
In addition, collectors were told to focus on connectivity, cleanliness and visitor facilities. Jaju called for coordinated development of destinations reflecting the historical, cultural and natural characteristics of individual districts.
Departments concerned should work together to comprehensively develop these tourism assets, he said. The state had identified 27 Special Tourism Areas for tourism development, according to the Chief Secretary.
He asked district collectors to work towards further developing these locations and strengthening Telangana’s tourism sector. Jaju said the Tourism 2047 plans would help expand the Telangana brand at national and international levels.
He also asked officials to prepare plans for expanding spiritual tourism, heritage tourism, ecotourism and crafts tourism. Special Chief Secretary for Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture Vani Prasad participated in the video conference.
Health Department Principal Secretary Christina Z. Chongthu and Agriculture Secretary Surendra Mohan also attended. Police Department DG Mahesh Bhagwat and other senior officials participated in the review.