Make Sarpanches aim at overall village development

Chevella: An exposure visit was organised at Pragati Resorts on Monday for Resource Persons (Trainers) involved in foundation training of newly elected Sarpanches. Dr GBK Rao, CMD, Pragati Group, conducted a bio-tour, and later explained the Pragati Resorts uniqueness and achievements in protection of biodiversity by following Vedic living traditions and Rishi Samskruti. He took the resource persons around all sacred gardens - Nakshatravanam, Rashivanam, Panchabhoota Vanam – to help them appreciate the rich Bharatiya traditions and practices.

Later, addressing more than 350 resource persons, Dr Rao said that, “taking Amrutha Ahaaram ensures one to be righteous manasa, vacha and karmana.” He quoted ancient scriptures as saying, “Vruksho Rakshati Rakshitaha,” and stressed on ‘Gow Samrakshana.’ He observed that, “only when the tree and the cow are with us will we be healthy, happy and can lead a joyful life.”

Dr Kota Tirupatayya, IFS (Retd), called upon the resource persons to drive home the message of importance of protection of trees and forests. Telangana Haritha Haram aims to achieve its target of planting 230 crore plants. On its completion, Telangana will be known globally for conducting the third largest plantation drives, after China and Amazon rain forest, he informed.

Telangana Haritha Haram is not just about tree plantation but takes care of saplings till they reach certain growth. He said the ideal tree cover in a place is 2/3rd of land cover in mountainous areas, and 1/4th in plain lands. As per the New Panchayat Raj Act, panchayats have a prominent role to play in protection of trees and forest wealth, he added.Pausumi Babu, CEO of SERP & TSIRD, highlighted the importance of training of resource persons. 

She elaborated on the efforts of TSIRD to enhance the skills, knowledge and training capabilities of resource persons who are predominantly MPDOs. A TSIRD presentation highlighted the importance of nurseries and their contribution to growth and development of Telanganaku Haritha Haram programme.