The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council Assurances Committee, headed by its Chairman Gali Muddukrishnamana Naidu, reviewed implementation of various promises and assurances made by the State government for development of Chittoor district.
Sanctioning of
‘origin certificate’
Among the issues that came up for deliberations, the steps taken to eradicate the menace of red sanders smuggling gained prominence, owing to the recent activities of anti-smuggling task force, Forest and the Police Departments.
“The sanctioning of ‘origin certificate’ for the transport and sale of red sanders, from Tamil Nadu is one of the most pressing problems now. We all know that the red sanders species is endemic to Seshachalam region, hence we would like to approach the Government of India for an immediate resolution,” asserted Mr. Naidu
He further said that this approach would ensure a decline in red sanders smuggling and stressed on the need for stricter legislations. He also urged the officials concerned to dispose the seized vehicles at the earliest, via auctions, and focus on attaching properties of smugglers and smuggling operatives.
Green cover
Besides this, Mr. Naidu also reviewed the steps taken to improve the green cover, nearly 30 per cent, with the officials.
Midday meal
With complaints over the quality of midday meal across the district, committee members opined that decentralisation in making the food i.e., establishing separate cooking centres in respective villages could reduce the travel time, retain quality and provide hot nutritious food to the children.
The committee members also discussed the aspect of improving the tourism spots in the district, particularly Horsely Hills, by providing all the necessary amenities to travellers.
Other issues such as eradication of illicit liquor, development of roads, recruitment of veterinary doctors, maintenance of tribal welfare hostels and government schools etc., were also discussed. Committee members Y. Srinivasulu Reddy and P.J. Chandrasekhara Rao, District Collector Siddharth Jain and other government officials took part.
