Hyderabad, August 25, 2026: Telangana Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Seethakka has directed officials to ensure the successful implementation of the state-wide Vanamahotsavam programme, particularly in view of the significant rainfall being recorded across the state.

The Minister said that 5.32 crore saplings have been planted so far against the target of 6.18 crore, achieving 86 per cent of the target. She instructed officials to complete the remaining plantation programme within the stipulated deadline and ensure that details of every sapling planted are recorded online.

Seethakka stressed that planting saplings alone was not enough and called for 100 per cent survival of the plants. She directed officials to provide regular watering, install protective fencing and strengthen fencing around avenue plantations to safeguard the saplings.

The Minister called for the active participation of public representatives, women’s self-help groups, students and youth in Vanamahotsavam. She urged officials to set clear targets and continuously monitor progress, with special attention to districts showing lower performance.

Focus on Rural Employment and Water Conservation

Seethakka also directed officials to ensure employment opportunities for workers under rural employment programmes. She said that every Gram Panchayat should provide employment to at least 60 workers per day and ensure that every worker willing to work gets employment near their place of residence.

She instructed officials to maintain an adequate shelf of works in every Gram Panchayat and closely monitor NMMS attendance on a daily basis. Responsibilities for mobilising workers should be clearly assigned to field-level staff.

The Minister ordered officials to immediately begin all sanctioned farm pond works and develop them as permanent assets for both employment generation and water conservation. She stressed that rural development activities should simultaneously create employment, conserve water and strengthen livelihood assets.

Speed Up Water Conservation Works in Tribal Areas

Seethakka called for the speedy construction of check dams in tribal agency areas and directed officials to accelerate farm ponds and other water conservation works.

She emphasised that employment generation, water conservation and creation of livelihood assets must progress simultaneously in rural areas. The Minister instructed officials to effectively implement government targets at the grassroots level and ensure continuous monitoring of all programmes.