Excise Minister T. Padma Rao participated in Haritha Haram programme by planting palm tree saplings at Metlachittapur and Velulla villages of Metpally mandal here on Saturday.
Speaking on the occasion, he said the government has decided to plant a total of 10 lakh palm tree saplings to help benefit toddy tappers in the State. Calling upon Excise officials to actively participate in the plantation drive, he informed the toddy tappers to plant palm saplings in the land allocated to toddy cooperative societies. He also promised them to provide drip irrigation for protecting the saplings.
Assuring that the government was committed to the welfare of the toddy tappers, he said they had increased the ex-gratia from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh to the bereaved family members of toddy tappers in case of accidental death. He also reminded that they opened the toddy shops which were closed in 2004 by the then government in Hyderabad city. Korutla legislator K. Vidyasagar Rao, Jagtial Excise Superintendent Vijay and others were also present.
