Try to stay home during Sankranthi: KCR asks people amid Omicron concerns

Amid concerns over Omicron, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao asked people to remain alert, take self-regulatory measures and follow the government guidelines in letter and spirit.

Speaking at a review meeting, Rao said people should wear masks, maintain physical distance and take other self-regulatory measures. The Chief Minister said everyone should take the vaccine. As of date, a vaccination programme is taking place for those in the age group of 15 to 18 years, he said.

From Monday onwards, the third dose (Booster Dose) will be given to the frontline health workers and people above 60 years of age. He said eligible people should get vaccinated. In case of symptoms, people should visit the nearby government hospital. He appealed to people not to move in groups especially during the Sankranthi festival and try to stay home. Rao reiterated that the state government is ready to face any situation.

New secretariat

KCR instructed R&B Minister Prashanth Reddy to speed up the work of the new secretariat. He asked him to start work on landscaping and security system. He instructed the officials to consult DGP M Mahender Reddy about security systems. He also called for expediting the work on the State-of-the-art Police Command Control Building meant for 24- hour vigilance.

CM issues instructions to the irrigation department

KCR enquired about the progress of Godavari River Detailed Project Reports (DPR). He instructed the officials to keep ready the information and data as sought by the Central Water Commission. The Chief Minister expressed dismay that though DPRs of Sitarama, Sammakka Sagar, Mukteswara (Chinna Kaleswaram) Lift Irrigation, Chenaka Korata Barrage, Choutupalli Hanmanth Reddy Lift Irrigation, Medi Kunta projects were submitted 5 months ago, the Central Water Commission has yet to give permission.

He instructed the irrigation officials to prepare the DPR of Dr. BR Ambedkar Pranahita Project and submit it to the Central Water Commission and to the Godavari Board. The CM directed the officials to be in regular touch with the Godavari Board officials, remove 5 projects from the Gazette Notification.

The CM asked the irrigation officials to invite tenders for Nagarjuna Sagar lift Canal, Gattu Lift Irrigation Scheme, Kaleswaram project in Kamareddy, and Palamuru Rangareddy, Barrage works of BR Ambedkar Pranahita project, Chennuru Lift Irrigation scheme, and Kupti project proposed on Kadem River.