NHAI allocates Rs 2.2,000crore for Warangal-KHM greenfield highway

Meanwhile, the Centre is spending Rs 1.04 lakh crore on ongoing and upcoming projects of 3,700 km in Telangana. HYDERABAD:In a major push for road infrastructure in the State, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has allotted over Rs 2,200 crore for constructing a new greenfield highway between Warangal and Khammam. On Friday, the Centre approved the four-lane access-controlled greenfield highway on NH-163G for a length of 70 km from Venkatapur village in Warangal to Venkatayapalem village in Khammam. This project is divided into two sections. Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari tweeted: In Telangana, Rs 1,111.76 is approved for the construction of four-lane access controlled greenfield highway section on NH163G (Warangal-Khammam), from Venkatapur village in Warangal District to Thallasenkesa village in Mahabubabad District. The total length of the project is 39.410 km, which will be developed under the Other Economic Corridor (NH(O)) program in Hybrid Annuity Mode (sic). Gadkari said that a further Rs 1,123.32 crore was sanctioned for the construction of a four-lane access-controlled greenfield highway section on NH-163G (Warangal-Khammam) from Thallasenkesa to V Venkatayapalem in Khammam district. The layout length would be 30.830 km. Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance Policy) is part of the Centres stated endeavour to develop eco-friendly National Highways with the participation of the community, farmers, NGOs, private sector, institutions, government agencies and the forest department. Meanwhile, the Centre is spending Rs 1.04 lakh crore on ongoing and upcoming projects of 3,700 km in Telangana. The Regional Ring Road project which is approximately 350 km in length will be constructed with Central funding of Rs 20,000 crore. NHAI is planning to spend a whopping Rs 76,000 crore to expand the road network in Telangana in the next few years.

Cutting down of dwajastambam leads to tension in Khammam

The villagers demanded that the higher officials suspend the ranger for hurt their religious sentiments. Police and forest staff gathered in large nubers to prevent any untoward incident. KHAMMAM:Tension prevailed at Gummadipalli when villagers tried to enter the office of the Forest Ranger in Aswaraopet, demanding the suspension of ranger Abdul Rahman for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Hindus by cutting a wooden dhwajastambam. According to information, the villagers brought dhwajastambham (naravepa wood) from Podu land to install in front of Ganganamma Talli temple. They said that they had informed the local forest officials including the range officer about the non-teak dhwajastambham they brought from the nearby Podu land. But Abdul Rahman along with his staff reached the temple and cut the dhawjastambham into pieces and shifted them to the forest range office in a lorry, the villagers alleged. Though it took place on Wednesday night, the villagers remained quiet keeping in view Sriram Navami. On Friday, they laid siege to the forest office in Aswaraopet and raised slogans against the officer. Glass windows of the office were broken when the protesters threw stones. The villagers demanded that the higher officials suspend the ranger for hurting their religious sentiments. Police and forest staff gathered in large numbers to prevent any untoward incident. The villagers relented after the authorities assured them of action.

Buoyed by response, TDP eyes comeback in Telangana

Sources said that the party is likely to contest 20 to 25 Assembly segments in Khammam, Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar, Hyderabad, Rangareddy, and Nizamabad. HYDERABAD:The recent Telugu Desam Party meeting, organised at Nampally two days ago has given a boost to party leaders and cadre. The party members, particularly TDP sympathisers who have been with the party since its launch, expressed their happiness about the partys attempt at a resurgence in Telangana. During the meeting, TDP leaders from Andhra Pradesh spoke about the development of Hyderabad and other parts of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh state during its rule. The leaders who are working to strengthen the party in Telangana said that they are enthused enough by the meeting to reorganise the party and take it to the grassroots level where the TDP retains a measure of goodwill in several constituencies. An interesting aspect of TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidus speech was that he did not criticise or target any party, including the ruling party BRS. Naidu recalled the development brought about by the construction of the RGI, ORR and other institutions during his regime. Last year in December, the TDP held a public meeting in Khammam, which was the first such meeting in Telangana after a fairly long time, indicating that the leadership plans to revamp and regenerate the party in the State. After the public meeting, Naidu held a series of meetings with Telangana unit president Kasani Gnaneswar Mudiraj and other important leaders. He instructed them to tour the entire State to identify the Assembly constituencies where the TDP has a good vote share. Sources said that the party is likely to contest 20 to 25 Assembly segments in Khammam, Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar, Hyderabad, Rangareddy, and Nizamabad. The Nampally meeting is expected to have boosted the leaders to take the TDP to every household (Intintiki Telugu Desam) across the State. Leaders who have stood with TDP since the beginning of their political career, such as former ministers, ex-MLAs, and other important leaders, will be participating in the programme.

VIP culture at display at Bhadradri temple in Andhra Pradesh: Devotees

While the ticket prices were kept low, there were hardly any normal devotees who were able to witness the celestial wedding. KHAMMAM: Several devotees, many of whom have travelled thousands of kilometres to participate in the Kalyanam at the Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy temple in Bhadrachalam, complained that the VIP culture of letting officials and their families while common people stood in the sun for hours was at the display on the occasion of Rama Navami on Thursday. K Nagalaxmi, a resident of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh, asked the government if the Kalyanam was only for VIPs and families of revenue and police officials and not for common people. Hundreds of devotees stood outsides the gates for hours and kept on requesting the police personnel posted at the spot to allow them to view the celestial wedding. However, several people took the VIP queue along with peoples representatives and officials and entered the Kalyan mandapam. N Raghava Rao, who travelled from Prakasam district in AP for the Kalyanam, along with his four family members claimed that he was disallowed from entering the Kalyana mandapam by the police even though several others were allowed. Many devotees also took up their issues with the temple authorities but said that they were of no help. God is only for some people, not for all, they lamented. While the ticket prices were kept low, there were hardly any normal devotees who were able to witness the celestial wedding. It was alleged that several musicians and temple employees. A police personnel posted at Gate-1 said, We cannot stop people who are entering the VVIP sector. District Collector D Anudeep said that no one, other than peoples representatives and VIPs, was allowed into the VVIP sector. However, a revenue official claimed that he saw a Circle Inspector taking 30 to 40 family members into the VIP sector through Gate-1.

No Turmeric Board, rail coach factory for Telangana, Centre tells Parliament

Replying to questions raised by BRS MPs in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Union Ministers ruled out the rail coach factory and Turmeric Board. HYDERABAD:The Union government has once again made it clear that the State would not get railway coach factory and Turmeric Board. Replying to questions raised by BRS MPs in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Union Ministers ruled out the rail coach factory and Turmeric Board. Replying to a question raised by Venkatesh Netha Borlakunta, Kavitha Malothu, Dayakar Pasunoori and Gaddam Ranjith Reddy on the constraints that the Centre was facing to set up the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel said: Spices Board, a statutory autonomous body, set up under the Spices Board Act, 1986 is entrusted with the responsibility of promoting 52 spices including turmeric, coriander and chillies. There is, therefore, no proposal under consideration to establish a Turmeric Board or any other spice specific Board in the country. To another question raised by Nama Nageswara Rao on establishing Railway Coach Factory (RCF) as assured by the Centre in the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said: There is no proposal as such under consideration for setting up of a Rail Coach Factory at Telangana. Rail Coach Factories are sanctioned in Indian Railways based on the requirement of the rolling stocks. Factories already sanctioned are sufficient enough to meet Indian Railways requirement of rolling stocks in the near future. TS red chilli in demand To another question raised by Kotha Prabhakar Reddy on the exports of Teja variety of red chilli to China, Bangladesh and other South Asian countries from Khammam, Anupriya Patel said that Khammam district of Telangana was one of the major producers of Teja variety of red chilli and this variety was being exported from India to different destinations like Bangladesh etc. The major port of shipment for chilli from India is Chennai port. Variety-wise export details of chilli from India are not available as there are no separate ITC HS codes for different varieties of chilli. The export of chilli from India increased from 4,43,900 tonnes in 2017-18 to 5,57,168 tonnes in 2021-22, she said. Anupriya Patel said that the red chilli crop was affected by an invasive pest, black thrips (Thripsparvispinus Karny), in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and the higher cost of cultivation was due to extra investment on black thrips management. She said that during 2022-23, the prices of red chilli have increased in Guntur market from an average price of Rs 5,639 per quintal in 2017-18 to Rs 16,417 per quintal in 2022-23. 5G in 19 TS cities To another question of BB Patil on the availability of 5G network in the State, Union Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan said that 5G services were started in 19 cities of Telangana viz. Suryapet, Adilabad, Hyderabad, Jagtial, Karimnagar, Khammam, Kodad, Kothagudem, Mahabubnagar, Mancherial, Nalgonda, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Ramagundam, Sangareddy, Siddipet, Tandur, Warangal and Zaheerabad. The Minister said that BSNL was providing 3G/4G services in all 33 districts of the State. TS SPENT ALMOST 50% OF SSA FUNDS, RS TOLD Hyderabad: BJP MP K Laxman was on Wednesday elected to the committee on public accounts. He will serve from May 1, 2023 till April 30, 2024 as one of the seven members on the panel. To a question raised by Laxman in the Rajya Sabha on the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds utilised by the State government, Union Minister of State for Education Annapurna Devi replied stating that Rs 1,198.39 crore has been spent in Telangana (including the States share) till date, of the total outlay of Rs 2,401.34 crore for 2022-23. Of a total outlay of Rs 2,142.48 crore in 2021-22 Rs 1,349.36 crore was utilised in the State under SSA, Rs 1,201.75 crore of an outlay of Rs 2,285.54 crore for 2020-21, Rs 1,191.20 crore of an outlay of Rs 2,631.61 crore in 2019-20, and Rs 1,000.21 crore of an outlay of Rs 2,285.31 crore in 2018-19 have been utilised in the State under SSA, she said.

Bhadradri decked up for Sitarama Kalyanam today

2,000 police personnel deployed in the temple town as over one lakh devotees are expected for the event BHADRACHALAM :The temple town of Bhadrachalam has been decked up for the celestial wedding of Lord Rama and Sita on Thursday. According to authorities, Rs 1.20 crore has been spent on the arrangements for the event including illumination of the temple. Kalyanamandapam and its surroundings wore a festive look even as devotees started arriving here on Wednesday. The district administration in coordination with the temple officials have made elaborate arrangements for about one lakh devotees expected to arrive here from across the country to witness Kalyanam and Puskara Pattabhisekham. Temple officials said that Kalyanam tickets sold out. The Midhila stadium where celestial wedding of Lord Ram and Sita will be performed has been decorated with flowers. The Kalyanamandapam which has a capacity to accommodate 32,000 people has been divided into 22 compartments with barricades. There are eight entry points for devotees to enter the Kalynamandapam. The officials have set up 70 talambralu distribution centres and 19 prasadam counters in the town. An additional two lakh laddus have been prepared for distribution among the devotees.To quench the thirst of the people visiting the temple, three lakh drinking water and one lakh butter milk packets will be made available at the Kalyanamandapam. To enable the devotees to witness the celestial wedding, LED TVs have been installed in the Kalyanamandapam. About 300 temporary bathrooms and lavatories have been set up at the bathing ghat and the temple. To maintain cleanliness at the temple, four mobile sanitation vehicles are kept ready. TSRTC regional manager SR Prubhulatha said that about 400 buses are being operated from Wednesday from Hyderabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and other parts of erstwhile Khammam district to Bhadrachalam. APSRTC is also operating about 150 buses from all important towns in Andhra Pradesh to Bhadrachalam. CM visit not confirmed Meanwhile, 2,000 police personnel have been deployed for security at the temple and across the town. According to officials, the visit of Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has not been confirmed. Endowments Minister Indrakaran Reddy who is camping here will present silk clothes and talambralu to the deities on behalf of the State government. Bhadrachalam town has been divided into 13 sectors for bandobast purposes, said ASP Paritosh Pankaj.

South Central Railway warns stone pelters of strict action

Some of the stone pelting incidents also involved children aged between 6 to 17 years, the release said. HYDERABAD: South Central Railway has appealed to the general public not to indulge in anti-social activities such as stone pelting on trains, which become the cause of serious injuries to onboard passengers and damage railway property. Stone pelting on trains is punishable under Railway Protection Force (RPF) Act, the SCR said in a release. Pelting of stones on trains is a criminal offence and stringent action will be taken against the perpetrators under Section 153 of Railways Act, which is punishable with imprisonment up to 5 years, it said. Pointing out that instances of stone pelting have taken place across different locations over SCR jurisdiction, the release said that some of the vulnerable sections have been Kazipet - Khammam, Kazipet-Bhongir, and Eluru-Rajahmundry. In recent times, Vande Bharat trains are being targeted by miscreants and nine such incidents have been reported since January, it said. The SCR said that such incidents have not only led to damage of public property but also rescheduling of the train. Such incidents can lead to fatal injuries to the on-board passengers. Railway Protection Force is working to catch culprits involved in such incidents and has so far registered several cases, and 39 offenders were arrested and sent to jail. Some of the stone pelting incidents also involved children aged between 6 to 17 years, the release said. SCR officials said it was the responsibility of every parent, teacher, and elders in the society to counsel, educate and guide children to desist from such activities.

To join BJP, leaders say ticket please

Pied Piper Eatala is believed to have sent Shah a list of leaders willing to don saffron scarves. HYDERABAD: BJP MLA Eatala Rajender, who is also the chairman of the partys joinings committee, is understood to have given a list of those who are willing to switch sides to Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Delhi. The MLA discussed names with the top leadership of the party. He reportedly has told Shah that many of these leaders wanted assurance that they would get party tickets if they chose to cross the Rubicon and join the BJP. According to sources, leaders from erstwhile Nizamabad, Rangareddy and Mahabubnagar districts spoke to Rajender in January expressing their willingness to join the BJP but wanted assurance that they would be given party tickets. Sources said that Shah is likely to speak to these leaders over phone and if he is convinced of their calibre, he may ask them to meet him in Delhi at a later date. Two businessmen alsoon the list sent by Eatala Among the leaders from Nizamabad who are showing interest in joining the BJP is a former MLC. There are also two businessmen who are trying to connect with the people through service activities. Now they want to join the BJP and test to what extent their service activity has influenced the people. The names of two former MLAs from Mahabubnagar, one former MP from Khammam and one former MLA, and several prominent faces from erstwhile Rangareddy district are under consideration by Shah, sources said. The problem that the party is facing is that those who are already in the district and are aspiring for party tickets are not happy with others from their districts joining the party as this may lead to an unpleasant situation wherein they would have to compete with the newcomers for party tickets. Telangana BJP leaders have advised the national leadership to be careful about whom they would admit as some of them might not be very popular with the people. They conveyed their fears to Shah during a recent meeting. A prominent leader of the BJP said that Shah and his back-end team have been assessing the popularity of the leaders in their constituencies. Once these teams submit their reports, the party leadership would take a final call on whether or not to admit them.After the Munugode byelection in November last year, no new leader joined the BJP and now the pressure is increasing to ensure defections as Shah is overseeing this aspect of the poll preparations directly.

Stiff competition likely for BRS ticket in Kothagudemconstituency

Incumbent Vanama Venkateswara Rao won the seat in 2018 on a Congress ticket but later changed his loyalties to the ruling BRS. KHAMMAM:Even as political parties are chalking out plans for the next Assembly elections, the competition seems to be intensifying for BRS ticket in Kothagudem constituency. The recent developments, and sources within the ruling party, indicate that there are at least three key figures, including incumbent MLA Vanama Venkateswara Rao, are eying the seat. They have not only made their desire to contest from the constituency public but are also reportedly started lobbying for the ticket. Among the 10 Assembly constituencies in the Khammam district, Kothagudem is one of the key segments. It is a well-developed constituency that boasts of several big industries, including coal mines and Kothagudem Thermal Power Station (KTPS), the reason why many leaders eye this segment. Interestingly majority of voters in this constituency are in urban areas like Kothagudem and Palwancha towns. Another interesting factor is that the Singareni employees play a major role in deciding who represents this constituency in the State Assembly. Vanama seeks re-election Incumbent Vanama Venkateswara Rao won the seat in 2018 on a Congress ticket but later changed his loyalties to the ruling BRS. He has not only expressed his desire to seek re-election but also expressed confidence, on more than one occasion, that the BRS leadership will pick him to contest from this constituency. However, he will have competition in the form of former MLA Jalagam Venkata Rao, whom he had defeated in the 2018 elections. Venkata Rao is not only lobbying for the BRS ticket but has reportedly started touring the constituency in order to mobile support. A rebel & a new aspirant A rebel BRS leader, as well as a new ticket aspirant, are also said to be in the mix. Khammam MP Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, who has reportedly raised a banner of revolt against the BRS high command, is also very keen to contest from Kothagudem constituency. He, in fact, started his own padayatra in the constituency. At his Athmeeya Sammelanam programme held in Bhadrachalam recently, he also openly criticised Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao over TSPSC paper leak case as well as the for not releasing funds as promised for development of Ramalayam.Director of Public Health Dr Gadala Srinivasa Rao too is an aspiring candidate. He has also been claiming that he has the blessings of the chief minister.

Congress leader injured by tractor driven by Renuka

According to sources, his leg was fractured and he was shifted to a private hospital in Khammam. KHAMMAM: Congress leader Shaik Mustafa on Sunday sustained injuries when a tractor, being driven by former Union minister Renuka Chowdary, went over his leg. According to sources, the district Congress organised a Haath Se Haath Jodo Yatra in Wyra in which Renuka Chowdary, AICC Telangana in-charge Manikrao Thakre, AICC secretaries Rohith Chowdary and Nadeem Javed and other leaders participated. As part of the yatra, the party organised a huge rally in the town. During the rally, Renuka Chowdary began driving a tractor, when Mustafa fell by accident and his leg came under the wheel of the tractor. According to sources, his leg was fractured and he was shifted to a private hospital in Khammam. The rally continued after Mustafa was sent to the hospital. During the public meeting that followed, Renuka Chowdary and Thakre alleged Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao was involved in many scams and was trying to save his daughter K Kavitha from being jailed.

Traffic piles up on NH 365 due to pipeline rupture in Telangana

The pipeline in question was carrying drinking water from Paleru of Khammam district to the Mahabubabad district so that it could supply to the Narsampet municipality limits. WARANGAL: Traffic came to a standstill on the Khanapur-Narsampet highway (NH-365) as a pipeline carrying water under the Mission Bhagiratha scheme burst in Khanapur village on Sunday. While the ruptured pipeline made way for a makeshift water fountain, much to the commuters amusement, officials were able to address the issue and ensure that the traffic flow resumed in about an hour. The pipeline in question was carrying drinking water from Paleru of Khammam district to the Mahabubabad district so that it could supply to the Narsampet municipality limits. While the water pressure from the broken pipeline reduced over time, it helped clear the piles of cars and other vehicles looking to cross the stretch. The issue of leakages in water pipelines has reportedly increased in recent times. Locals said several cracks or other faults were reported in the pipeline last year as well. According to locals, they noticed the broken pipeline and alerted the Mission Bhagiratha staff Assistant Engineer Sateesh, staffers Lingaswamy and Bhadru and waterman Vijender who carried out the works and restored the water supply.

Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express to run via Nalgonda, Guntur

This will be the second Vande Bharat train in the SCR zone which is being manufactured by Integral Coach Factory. HYDERABAD: Vande Bharat Express being introduced between Secunderabad and Tirupati by the Indian Railways will prove a boon for thousands of devotees visiting Tirumala from the twin cities. The semi-high-speed train with modern facilities being operated between Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam has proved very successful. The train has been running with 100 per cent occupancy since its launch, officials said. According to sources in South Central Railway (SCR), the Vande Bharat train to Tirupati is very likely to be operated via Bibinagar and Guntur. Since the first Vande Bharat is being operated via Vijayawada, covering Warangal and Khammam, the railways want to provide this connectivity to the passengers of Nalgonda and Guntur. This will be the second Vande Bharat train in the SCR zone which is being manufactured by Integral Coach Factory. There has been a huge demand from passengers to introduce Vande Bharat to Tirupati. Every day, thousands of devotees travel to Tirumala by several trains. The zone is yet to upgrade the Bibinagar - Guntur section to a maximum speed of 130 kmph. The trains are currently being operated at a maximum speed of 110 kmph on this section. The other sections such as Secunderabad-Bibinagar and Guntur-Gudur have been upgraded. Once the Vande Bharat is approved for Tirupati, railways would also upgrade the Bibinagar - Guntur section. At present, Secunderabad - Trivandrum Sabari Express, and Lingampally - Tirupati Narayanadri Express are operated to Tirupati via Guntur. This journey takes around 12 hours and the proposed Vande Bharat Express would reduce the travel time to less than nine hours. Secunderabad - Tirupati Vande Bharat is likely to have stops at Nalgonda, Guntur, Ongole, Nellore, and Gudur in both directions. PM Modi to flag off Vande Bharat to Tirupati Hyderabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Hyderabad on April 8 to inaugurate various railway and road infrastructure projects across the State. He will lay the foundation stone for the remodelling of Secunderabad Railway Station, which is estimated to cost around Rs 700 crore. Besides that, he will launch the Vande Bharat Express train from Secunderabad to Tirupathi. He will also address a public meeting at the Parade Grounds.

Telangana CM KCR cheated God by not releasing funds: BRS leader Ponguleti

Srinivasa Reddy alleged the hand of the Kalvakuntla family in the TSPSC question paper leak case and said that this view of his was shared by a majority of the people. KHAMMAM: BRS senior leader Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy came down heavily against Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao during the Athmeeya Sammelanam held in Bhadrachalam on Saturday. He alleged that if one goes by the history of the Chief Minister, KCR could cheat even Lord Rama. Srinivasa Reddy reminded that the Chief Minister assured in 2016 that Rs 100 crore would be allocated for the Bhadradri temple development but till now, not even one rupee has been sanctioned. The Chief Minister is also cheating tribals with his Tribal Bandhu announcement, the former MP said, alleging that the BRS government gave Dalit Bandu to 100 people in each constituency and washed off its hands. Srinivasa Reddy alleged the hand of the Kalvakuntla family in the TSPSC question paper leak case and said that this view of his was shared by a majority of the people.KCR has the talent of cheating people by making false promises, he said.

TSRTC to start dynamic ticket pricing system

Project aimed at preventing private bus operators from raising fares exorbitantantly HYDERABAD: The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) will soon introduce a dynamic pricing system for online ticket bookings, which will be the first-of-its-kind initiative taken up by the transport utility. The new system will first be implemented as a pilot project on 46 service routes towards Bengaluru. Starting March 27, the dynamic pricing system will be available for services from Hyderabad, Warangal, Karimnagar, and Khammam to Bengaluru. This system uses advanced data analysis and machine learning algorithms to determine ticket prices based on various parameters such as traffic, demand, and the number of passengers. It fluctuates the charges based on market demand. According to TSRTC chairman Bajireddy Govardhan and MD VC Sajjanar, private operators often charge exorbitant rates, even on normal days, and increase ticket prices on peak days. The dynamic pricing system aims to provide affordable and budget-friendly travel compared to private operators, thereby making it accessible to more people. It will also ensure that unseasonal ticket prices are 20% to 30% lower than the original fare, while it may cost more during the peak seasons. Passengers can book their preferred seats through the online booking system, and the tickets will be available online one hour before the service starts. The TSRTC hopes that the dynamic pricing system will attract more passengers who use buses for everyday commute. Advance reservation facility is being provided in TSRTC buses for up to 60 days. It is advised to book the tickets on the official website of the organization www.tsrtconline.in. Pilot project The new system will first be implemented as a pilot project on 46 service routes towards Bengaluru This system uses advanced data analysis and machine learning algorithms to determine ticket prices based on various parameters

Cops force kin to cremate womans body in a hurry

She was initially taken to a government hospital and from there she was shifted to ESI hospital in Hyderbad, where she died while undergoing treatment on Tuesday. KHAMMAM: Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Raos visit to Khammam district may have helped rain-hit farmers, but for a family, it had only brought misery. The police officials, who were busy making arrangements for the CMs visit, stopped an ambulance in which the body of Mahankali Nagarani was being brought to Khammam after her death in ESI hospital in Hyderabad. The police allegedly forced the family to cremate the body at a nearby cremation centre. Khammam II-Town Inspector Ch Sridhar said: We told them about the Chief Ministers programme and with their consent only we had her body cremated at the nearby cremation centre. Now, some persons and caste associations are trying to make it a political issue. Nagarani, according to her sister A Sireesha, was an outsourced sweeper in Khammam Municipal Corporation. She took pesticide on Sunday night after the assistant commissioner of the municipal corporation pulled her up for taking Rs 50,000 from a person promising a job. She was initially taken to a government hospital and from there she was shifted to ESI hospital in Hyderabad, where she died while undergoing treatment on Tuesday. After the medico-legal formalities family members and relatives were bringing her body to her house in Khammam when about 40 policemen who were looking after security for the CMs programme, stopped them at Kalavoddu and forced them to cremate the body at the nearby cemetery. Victims relative A Sirisha, however, said that the police had forced them to cremate the body without even allowing their relatives to tot ake a look at the body for the last time. She and another relative Nageswar Rao suspected that the police forced cremation as they were afraid that if the body is taken to her house, there might be a problem as it is rumoured that Nagarani ended her life because of pressure from some big shots in the town.

Thakre works on plans for manifesto panel, infusing new vigour in Congress

Thakre called a meeting with sitting and former corporators of the GHMC to infuse some new strength into the partys sinews. HYDERABAD: Telangana Congress in-charge Manikrao Thakre on Thursday discussed the constitution of a Manifesto Committee with TPCC leadership for drafting a manifesto with issues of public importance ahead of the Assembly elections later this year. The AICC in-charge, who arrived in Hyderabad earlier in the day on a four-day visit, met TPCC president A Revanth Reddy and CLP leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka. They discussed the constitution of a manifesto committee with party senior leaders and experts on issues that are politically crucial for the party in the State. According to sources, they also discussed the need to fill eight DCC presidents posts pending for several months and also the formation of committees in the PCC like OBC cell and others. The Congress in-charge also focused on the need to strengthen the partys GHMC unit which is at present is on a weak wicket. He underscored the need to motivate the party cadres for the elections. Thakre called a meeting with sitting and former corporators of the GHMC to infuse some new strength into the partys sinews. He is expected to advise them to strip the government bare on its failures in attending to local issues. He will also review the activities of the Youth Congress. Thakre also is likely to meet the vice presidents and general secretaries of the TPCC and take feedback from them on Revanths as well as Vikramarkas padayatras. Thakre is likely to ask for a report on how the yatra would spin votes for the party in the next elections. He may meet the DCC presidents of the district through which Revanths Yatra has traversed and its impact on the people. On March 26, the last day of his tour, Thakre will participate in former Union minister Renuka Chowdaris Hath Se Hath Jodo Yatra in Khammam. As for opening up of Indian markets AICC in-charge for Telangana Manikrao Thakre on Thursday called a meeting with sitting and former corporators of the GHMC to infuse some new strength into the partys sinews. He is expected to advise them to strip the government bare on its failures in attending to local issues. Thakre is also expected to review the activities of the Youth Congress during his stay in the city

Telangana CM KCR announces Rs 10k per acre compensation for crop loss

Agriculture The unexpected rains and hailstorms damaged crops over 2,28,255 acres across the state. Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday announced compensation of Rs 10,000 per acre for farmers who lost their crops due to recent unseasonal rains and hailstorms. After a visit to affected areas in a few districts, the chief minister assured the farmers that the government will extend them all the assistance. He made it clear that the state will not send any report on crop loss to the Centre as the Modi government had provided no help to the state in similar situations earlier. The chief minister told media persons that the unexpected rains and hailstorms damaged crops over 2,28,255 acres across the state. This includes maize crop over 1,29,446 acres, paddy over 72,709 acres and mangoes over 8,865 acres. KCR, who left in a helicopter from Hyderabad, first visited affected areas in Madhira constituency of Khammam district. He spoke to farmers and enquired about the crop losses they suffered. Some of the affected farmers demanded a compensation of Rs 50,000 per acre. KCR said that his government is executing irrigation projects with massive investment. Efforts are being made to expeditiously complete new projects. Stating that the state government is also implementing various schemes for the welfare of farmers, he claimed that such schemes are not being implemented anywhere in the world. The chief minister also stated that as a result of the schemes being implemented by the state government, the agriculture sector has strengthened and farmers are coming out of debt trap. He remarked that some ignorant economists are saying that agriculture is uneconomical. The chief minister said under the policies of the present government at the Centre, affected farmers will get no compensation. The policies are of no use to the farmers. The country needs a new agriculture policy, said KCR, who is president of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).

Telangana CM announces Rs 10,000 per acre compensation for crop losses due to rains

The Chief Minister claimed that this was the first time in the country that a State government was paying compensation for damaged crops. HYDERABAD: The Telangana state government announced Rs 10,000 compensation per acre for crops thatwere damaged in the recent untimely rains across the state.Standing crops like paddy, mango, maize, and horticulture crops were damaged in the recent rains and hailstorms in several parts of the state last week. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, who visited the rain-affected areas in erstwhile Khammam district on Thursday, announced that the State government would pay Rs 10,000 compensation per acre. He said that the standing crops on 2,28,255 acres were damaged due to untimely rains across the state last week. For the first time, the Chief Minister also announced compensation for tenant farmers. He said that orders would be issued to pay compensation of Rs 10,000 per acre to tenant farmers directly as many tenant farmers had lost their crops in Bonkal mandal in erstwhile Khammam district. Speaking to reporters after interacting with the farmers, the Chief Minister said that the State government would not send any report to the Central government on the crop loss. Last year, the State government had sent the crop loss report to the Central government but there was no response from the Centre, Rao alleged. That was why theState government decided to provide compensation to the farmers. The Chief Minister claimed that this was the first time in the country that a State government was paying compensation for damaged crops. He alleged that the BJP government did not careabout farmers and was tryingto dilute the agriculture sector in the country. He stressed the need for a new integrated agriculture policy in the country. He inspected the maize crop in Ramapuram village and interacted with farmers. Later, Rao proceeded to Mahabubabad district. Rao will also visit the damaged fields in the erstwhile Karimnagar district today.

Hyderabads three-lane LB Nagar flyover to be opened soon: GHMC

Traffic The flyover is expected to ease the traffic congestion for vehicles coming from Vijayawada, Khammam and Nalgonda to Hyderabad. The 760-metre-long right hand side flyover in Hyderabads LB Nagar will soon be open to the public, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation said. The Rs 32 crore flyover, under the Strategic Road Development Programme (SRDP), was completed a month ago but could not be inaugurated owing to the Model Code of Conduct during the recently-held MLC elections. The flyover will be inaugurated by Minister of Municipal Administration and Urban Development KT Rama Rao. At present, the minister is in New Delhi, accompanying his sister and MLC K Kavitha, who is being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate in the Delhi liquor policy case. The flyover will ease the traffic congestion for vehicles coming from Vijayawada, Khammam and Nalgonda to Hyderabad, according to GHMC officials. The unidirectional three-lane flyover also promises to provide a hassle-free commute for people traveling to Hayathnagar, Vanasthalipuram and other areas in LB Nagar. Further, it will increase travel speeds by up to 40 kmph. It was constructed as part of the GHMCs special initiative to overcome the increasing traffic congestion in the city. In a press release, the GHMC said that out of the 47 works planned under the SRDP, 35 works have been completed so far. Thirty-two out of the 47 works were constructed using GHMC funds, it added. According to officials the construction of three road projects Golnaka to Amberpet, Uppal to CPRI and Aramghar to Shamshabad are under progress By the end of December 2023, the SRDP Phase-1 worth Rs 2,335.4 crore falling under GHMC's jurisdiction will be completed, GHMC said.

KHM chilli ryots reap rich profits as price hits `25.5k

After the declaration of the price, YS Trading Company came forward and purchased 30 quintals of Teja variety of chilly from Srinu at Rs 25,500 per quintal. KHAMMAM:Chilli farmers were on cloud nine on Monday. The price of their produce went up to a record high of Rs 25,500 per quintal.A Sreenu, a farmer from a remote village Ulavanur in Palvoncha mandal said: I have never expected I would be in for a windfall like this. I became a lakhpati overnight. Srinu is a small farmer. He raised Teja variety of chilies in his five-acre land holding. He took 39 quintals to the Khammam market yard on Monday which is about 100 km away. When Transport Minister Puvvada Ajay Kumar decided that the price should be Rs 25,500 per quintal, he was elated. More than 10 other farmers returned home with bulging pockets. After the declaration of the price, YS Trading Company came forward and purchased 30 quintals of Teja variety of chilly from Srinu at Rs 25,500 per quintal. He wanted the price to remain in this range always, which, he said, would encourage the farmers to grow more and finally free them from the shackles of usurious middlemen. Khammam market secretary R Mallesham, said: The price hit an all-time high on Monday. Till now the highest price was Rs 23,000 per quintal. This record stands broken. Khammam Agriculture Market Yard acts as the nucleus for trading for farmers from Suryapet, Nalgonda, and Mahabubabad in Telangana, and Krishna and Guntur districts in Andhra Pradesh despite the fact that Guntur too has a large market. According to officials, the Khammam market yard began operations in November 2022. Initially, 4,000 to 5,000 bags of chilli used to arrive but later the number went up to 25,0000 bags per day. Mallesham said that 25,000 bags came to the market yard on Monday. The main reason for the price of chilies to go up was that its production has gone down drastically this year. In Khammam, the farmers this year raised chilli crop on in 70,000 acres and 30,000 acres in the Bhadradri-Kothagudem district for fear of thrips attack. They raised the crop in 1.03 lakh acres and in 40,000 acres, respectively, last year. Expressing happiness over farmers getting a good price, Minister Ajay Kumar said he would ensure that the market is developed into a major hub in accordance with international standards.

30-year-old woman collapses, dies while dancing at wedding in Khammam

In yet another case of a young person dying suddenly, a 30-year-old woman, who was dancing at a wedding ceremony, collapsed and died in Khammam. Although the incident happened on March 16, it was reported only on Monday.

Teenmaar Mallannas office allegedly attacked by BRS supporters

Crime Mallanna, who calls himself a journalist, is a vocal critic of the BRS government and Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. Unidentified persons attacked the office of 'Q News', a YouTube channel run by Chintapandu Naveen alias Teenmaar Mallanna, on Sunday, March 19. The incident occurred at Peerzadiguda under the Medipally police station in Medchal Malkajgiri district. Unidentified men barged into the office and ransacked furniture and computers before fleeing from the spot. Teenmaar Mallanna was not present in the office at the time of attack. Since it was Sunday, the office had only a few staffers. Following the incident, the channel employees and their supporters came out on the road to stage a protest. The attack and the subsequent protest triggered tension in the area. The police rushed to the spot and gathered details about the attack, and also stopped the protest. Mallanna alleged that 25 BRS 'goondas' attacked his office, claiming that it was a conspiracy to murder him. He also said that he had no trust in the police of protecting him. Read:BJPs new weapon in Telangana is a KCR-baiting YouTube sensation Mallanna, who calls himself a journalist, is a vocal critic of the BRS government and Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. On March 18, Hema Samala, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation standing committee, had asked the State Commission for Women to take action against Mallana for his video with a sexist caption. Mallanna had shot into prominence in 2021 when he had contested the elections for the legislative council seat from the Nalgonda-Warangal-Khammam graduates' constituency, as an Independent candidate. He had given a tough fight to BRS candidate Palla Rajeshwar Reddy to finish runner-up. He had joined the BJP in December 2021, shortly after he was released from jail. He was jailed for 73 days under various charges, including extortion and Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities Act). He was booked in a total of 38 cases. Some of the cases filed against him were for criticising KCR, as the CHief Minister is popularly known, his son K.T. Rama Rao and his daughter Kavitha. Five months later, Mallanna announced that he was quitting the BJP to launch a political movement called '7200 movement'. He claimed that the movement aims to clean politics. Meanwhile, state BJP President Bandi Sanjay Kumar has condemned the attack on Mallanna's office, alleging that the ruling party was behind it.

Unseasonal rains force mango farmers to switch to other crops

District Horticulture Officer J Mariyanna attributes this change to change in the governments policy. KHAMMAM: Not long ago, Bhadradri-Kothagudem district was famous for its mango orchards with farmers cultivating the king of fruits in over 30,000 acres in the district. However, over the years they started switching to other crops, especially oil palm, as they began suffering losses due to natural calamities and unseasonal rains. Currently, mango is being cultivated only in 8,000 acres in the district. Those who preferred to grow the cash crop this year are a worried lot. They were very hopeful of good yield as the flowering was good. But the unseasonal rain poured water on their hopes with the overnight rains and hailstorm damaging mango flowering. They fear that there will be a significant drop in crop yield.B Laxminarayana, a local mango farmer, said: Until a few years ago, we used to earn Rs 1 to Rs 1.50 lakh with yield from one acre. But, unseasonal rains and climatic changes have forced us to switch to other crops. N Sudhakar, a farmer of Mandalapalli village in Dammapet mandal, said: In the recent years, it has become difficult for us to sustain our selves by cultivating mango. We have been suffering huge losses and unable to even break even. We are unable to look after our families as we are not getting any kind of support when our crops get damaged in the rains. Those who switched to oil palm cultivation are reportedly getting good returns. A few years ago, farmers used to cultivate oil palm in about 100 acres in the district. Presently, oil palm is being cultivated in more than 50,000 acres and more farmers are showing interest in rising this crop. District Horticulture Officer J Mariyanna attributes this change to change in the governments policy. There may be several reasons for more and more farmers switching from mango cultivation to rising oil palm crops. But the primary reason the farmers are getting the right kind of encouragement from the government to take up oil palm cultivation, he said. Significant drop in mango cultivation Not long ago farmers used to cultivate mango in over 30,000 acres in the district. However, over the years they started cultivating other crops, especially oil palm, as they started suffering lossed due to natural calamities and unseasonal rains. Currently, mango is being cultivated only in 8,000 acres in the district.

Bharat Gaurav traindeparts for maiden trip from Secunderabad stn

The train is being operated by the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). HYDERABAD:It was unusually festive at the Secunderabad Railway Station on Saturday. A large number of people could be seen exchanging pleasantries with passengers for the first trip of the Bharat Gaurav tourist train while Kuchipudi performers danced to the beats of drums in the background. Aimed at making people aware of Indias rich cultural heritage and history, the first trip of the Bharat Gaurav train named the Punya Kshetra Yatra: Puri-Kasi-Ayodhya will cover Puri, Konark, Gaya, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj over a period of eight nights and nine days. It is being operated by the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Apart from travel facilities (rail and road transport), the firm will also provide accommodation, meals and snacks, and security. #PunyakshetraYatra to Puri - Kasi - Ayodhya #BharatGaurav Tourist Train commences its journey from #Secunderabad Railway station today 18th March, 2023. #BharatGaurav #PunyakshetraYatra pic.twitter.com/lDKysI184p South Central Railway (@SCRailwayIndia) March 18, 2023 The coaches, AC and non-AC compartments, will have CCTV cameras in common areas and a public announcement facility. Passengers from all the nine stopping stations Secunderabad, Kazipet, Khammam, Vijayawada, Eluru, Rajahmundry, Samalkot, Simachalam and Vijayanagaram spread across the two Telugu states have come forward to avail the opportunity. General manager of the South Central Railway (SCR) zone, Arun Kumar Jain, handed over the welcome kits to the rail yatris in the presence of IRCTC chairman and managing director, Rajni Hasija, and other senior railway officials on Saturday. All the 700 seats on the train have been booked. He said the train offers a unique opportunity to pilgrim passengers to visit these culturally prominent places without the hassle of planning individual itinerary items. He added that Bharat Gaurav trains will give a major fillip to the tourism sector in the country while also fulfilling the desire of tourists in the most convenient manner. Rajni Hasija said the whole tour itinerary was planned after keeping in mind the significance of the places along with the interest of tourists.

Congressfocussing on north Telangana to revive its electoral fortunes

The Congress won a few Assembly seats in the 2018 elections in erstwhile Karimnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Warangal and Khammam districts. HYDERABAD: Congress is focusing on regaining its strength in north Telangana. The leaders of the grand old party are on padayatras to connect with their own cadres as well as the people. The thrust is now on Adilabad, Karimnagar and Warangal. TPCC president A Revanth Reddy and CLP leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka are criss-crossing north Telangana. Revanth, who kicked off his yatra for change at Mulugu on February 6, has traversed several Assembly segments in Mahabubabad, Warangal, Karimnagar and Nizamabad Lok Sabha constituencies. Even as Revanth is on his yatra, on March 16, Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka began his padayatra from Boath in erstwhile Adilabad district. The Congress won a few Assembly seats in the 2018 elections in erstwhile Karimnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Warangal and Khammam districts. They include Manthani, Mulugu, Bhupalapally, Yellareddy and Asifabad. Besides these, the party also won the graduates MLC elections. For many decades, north Telangana remained a strong belt for the Congress. However, after the 2014 and 2018 elections, its influence began to wane. Aims to outshine BJP During his padayatra, Revanth is trying to charge the cadres into action to fight the BRS in the next Assembly elections and help the Congress nominees win the election, particularly in the constituencies where the sitting Congress MLAs had defected to the BRS. Revanth is trying to wean away people from the influence of the BRS. The TPCC is making sure that all the local leaders walk with Revanth in their respective constituencies. Interestingly, both TPCC and CLP leaders selected ST Assembly segments to kick off their padayatras to retain the partys hold on the tribals and STs. North Telangana is very important for all political parties and hence the focus. This is where the Telangana movement was most fierce and it witnessed a number of uprisings. The Congress is trying to position itself as a party in the reckoning for staking a claim for gaddi in Telangana. It is doing everything in its power to outshine the BJP which is projecting itself as the only contender for power in the State.

Unseasonal rains damage crops in over 20,000 acres

The untimely rain, accompanied by gales, led to a large number of mango trees being affected at Madapur village of Ganneruvaram mandal. KHAMMAM / KARIMNAGAR / HYDERABAD: The untimely hailstorm that lashed the State on Thursday and in the early hours of Friday left a trail of devastation over 20,000 acres ofmaize, green gram, papaya and mango and other crops, most of which were in flowering and ripening stages. According to Agriculture department officials, over 18,826 acres of maize, farmed by around 1,930 farmers, was damaged in the erstwhile Khammam district alone. Kothagudem district horticulture officer J Mariyanna said that papaya crops worth Rs 10 lakh were damaged in Bhadradri- Kothagudem district. Chilli and paddy farmers also suffered losses too. The damage was comparatively less in Karimnagar district, with maize and paddy flattened in several places. The untimely rain, accompanied by gales, led to a large number of mango trees being affected at Madapur village of Ganneruvaram mandal. Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Niranjan Reddy on Friday reminded that scientists have been advising farmers to harvest their Rabi crop a month in advance to avoid the risk of their being damaged by unseasonal rains coupled with strong winds and hailstorms, a situation recurring every March and April. Niranjan Reddy, along with Education Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy, Rythu Bandhu Samithi president Palla Rajeshwar Reddy, Agriculture Commissioner Raghunandan Rao and others inspected the agricultural and horticultural crops in Vikarabad district that were damaged due to Thursdays unseasonal rain and hailstorm. Niranjan Reddy said that farmers in some parts of Nizamabad, Kamareddy, Bodhan and Suryapet have been following the advice of scientists about advancing their crop cycle by a month, and that in all workshops farmers were informed the same by agricultural officials. According to the minister, cabbage, onion, maize, watermelon and capsicum crops were largely damaged in the 13 villages under Mominpet and Marpally mandals of Vikarabad district affected by the hailstorm. Interestingly, Niranjan Reddy said that he was yet to receive reports of crop damage in other parts of the State.

End of our dreams, say parents of girl killed in fireat Swapnalok complex, Hyderabad

Though Trivenis parents are illiterate, they had always wished that their daughters get a good education so that they can escape the vicious cycle of poverty. KHAMMAM: The fire at Swapnalok complexin Hyderabad on Thursday, which claimed a total of six lives, overturned the lives of an impoverished couple in Suddapalli village of Nelakondapalli mandal, once and for all. Kunchem Triveni, a telecaller, was the eldest daughter of Rama Rao, an autorickshaw driver, and Yellamma, a daily-wage labourer. The 22-year-old had dreamt of climbing the corporate ladder and uplifting the lives of her parents, who live in a cramped two-room shed. Unfortunately, her dreams were shattered as the fire accident claimed her life, while her younger sister, Mamata, narrowly escaped death. Though Trivenis parents are illiterate, they had always wished that their daughters get a good education so that they can escape the vicious cycle of poverty. Tragedy struck at an inopportune time, shattering the dreams of the entire family, Trivenis father Rama Rao told TNIE. He said that he was optimistic that Triveni would uplift their lives but the accident shattered all their dreams. Never in my worst nightmares did I ever expect such a tragedy to strike my family. Trivenis death has left us nowhere to go, he added. She completed her engineering from a private college in Kodad and subsequently landed a job at a private firm in Secunderabad over a year ago. Mamata and Triveni lived in a hostel in the capital city. Apart from plans to upskill herself by learning software-related courses, the 22-year-old had plans to help her sister get employed at the same firm. A close friend of Trivenis from her native village said she used to be constantly worried about their financial condition and think of ways to overcome it through hard work.

Heavy hail storms lash parts of Telangana, normal life affected

Weather The meteorological department has attributed the heavy storms to southeasterly winds under the impact of a trough in the Arabian Sea. Heavy hail storms and rains lashed parts of Telangana on Thursday, March 16. Hail storms, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds, brought down the maximum temperature, providing relief to people from the first spell of summer. Parts of Vikarabad, Rangareddy and Sangareddy districts witnessed heavy rains and hailstorms. A few places including Zaheerabad town say hail for about half an hour, disrupting movement of vehicles. Drivers were forced to park their vehicles by the roadside till the storm dissipated. Marpalle village in Vikarabad district also witnessed heavy hail storms. A white sheet of hailstones covered roads and fields. Crops like sugarcane, jowar and vegetables were damaged in some parts of the affected districts. Paddy crops were also reportedly damaged in Siddipet and Medak districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed the hail storms and thunderstorms to southeasterly winds under the impact of the trough from Bangladesh and neighbourhood to north coastal Andhra Pradesh, and another trough from south Tamil Nadu to north Konkan. The IMD has issued a yellow warning for several districts of Telangana for next three days. Thunder showers are very likely to occur at many places over Telangana from March 17 to March 19. On March 17, thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, hailstorm and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are very likely to occur at isolated places in the districts Nizamabad, Jagityal, Rajanna Sircilla, Nalgonda, Mahabubabad, Warangal, Hanamkonda, Siddipet, Yadadri Bhuvangiri, Rangareddy, Hyderabad, Medchal Malkajigiri, Vikarabad, Sangareddy, Medak, Kamareddy and Nagarkurnool. Thunderstorms accompanied with lightning, gusty winds are very likely to occur at isolated places in the remaining districts of Telangana. For March 18, the IMD has forecast heavy rains at isolated places in the districts Jagityal, Rajanna Sirsilla, Jayashankar Bhupalapally, Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Khammam, Nalgonda, Suryapet, Warangal, Janagaon, Yadadri Bhuvangiri, Vikarabad and Nagarkurnool

Bhadrachalam temple officials to invite CM KCR, GovernorTamilisai Soundararajan

As per the tradition, the temple officials are planning to invite the Chief Minister to attend the celestial wedding of Lord Rama and his consort Seetha. KHAMMAM: AsBhadrachalam gears up for brahmotsavams, the Sita Ramachandraswamy temple authorities are planning to invite Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan for the annual event. The brahmotsavams will begin on Telugu New Years day of Ugadi on March 22. The Sri Sitarama Kalyanam (celestial wedding) will be performed on March 30 and the Pushkara Pattabhisekham will be on March 31. As per the tradition, the temple officials are planning to invite the Chief Minister to attend the celestial wedding of Lord Rama and his consort Seetha. They will be inviting the Governor for Pushkara Pattabhisekham. Temple Executive Engineer P Ravinder said: We will be inviting the Chief Minister and the Governor for the Sri Sitarama Kalyanam and the Pushkara Pattabhisekham respectively. We will be completing the process of inviting the CM and the Governor before Ugadi. All arrangements are being made to conduct brahmotsavams in a grand scale. About 30 per cent works have already been completed. The remaining works will be completed well ahead of Ugadi, he added. As per the tradition, the Chief Minister presents pattu vastralu and muthyala talambralu on behalf of the State government. But, Chandrasekhar Rao followed this tradition only in 2015 and 2016. In 2016, he had also announced Rs 100 crore for the development of the temple but the funds have not been released so far.