Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao made three major announcements in his Independence Day address here, including his proposed visit to Mumbai on August 23 to sign the historic agreement with his Maharashtra counterpart Devendra Phadnavis on construction of irrigation projects on Godavari at inter-State borders.
The accord on August 23 will seal Kaleswaram project, earlier known as Pranahita - Chevella, at Medigadda in Karimnagar district. A barrage across Penganga, a tributary of Godavari, within Maharashtra borders will also be finalised.
By two other announcements, Mr. Rao said the State government will shortly extend reservations to Scheduled Tribes and minorities on population basis and that Telangana will get 1,000 MW from Chhattisgarh in four months.
The Commissions appointed by the government to go into the socio-economic conditions of STs and minorities for the purpose of reservations had recently submitted their reports to Mr. Rao. He had signed an agreement with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh last year for purchase of 1,000 MW but the supply was not done in the absence of transmission lines between the two States.
Mr. Rao unfurled the tricolour at a colourful function at the historic Golconda fort. Cultural artistes in their colourful best occupied the top of damaged ruins of the fort all around. He took the salute from contingents of police that marched past.
In his address later, the Chief Minister listed out the achievements of Telangana government ever since the first Independence Day was celebrated at the same venue 2014 when the State was two-and-a-half months old.
He emphasised the good relations that the government promoted with the Centre and neighbouring States for mutual benefit. The same was acknowledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Gajwel in Medak district.
Mr. Rao said the government was committed to providing Internet connectivity to all households in rural areas. It was in the process of laying optic fibre for the purpose. He announced that Hyderabad will host the World Congress of Information Technology in coming months.
Expressing the government's strong resolve to provide one lakh jobs during its five year term, he said 30,000 jobs were already created.
He gave away Harita Mitra awards for tree plantation during a recent drive to Nizamabad Collector Yogita Rana and other officials and organisations.
