To ensure proper survival and growth of the saplings being planted under Telanganaku Harita Haaram (THH) programme, Siddipet district administration has started appointing individuals and assigning them the an area of responsibility.
Each village has appointed three to five village green brigadiers (VGBs) — mostly labour working under National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) — based on the requirement. The VGBs have been appointed in all the five mandals of the Gajwel revenue division, being represented by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. Under the Harita Haaram avenue plantation has been taken up in 400 villages and in each village saplings have been planted on each side of the road for a two to four kilometres stretch and each VGB will be entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining the saplings in four kilometres.
Uniform
The VGBs would be paid ₹194 per day which comes to ₹4,850 for 25 days in the month. The VGB would be hired to perform this job till March 2020. Further, these individuals would be given a uniform and a green coloured bicycle.
The VGBs would be responsible for the well being and protection of the avenue plantation and other sapling planted in their respective villages. On an average each VGB is likely to receive between ₹8,000 to and ₹ 10,000 per month for the next three years. Collector P. Venkataram Reddy personally held hired these village green brigadiers. However, it was not clear whether this will be implemented across the district. An official involved in the process said that the number of VGBs was not yet finalised.
Two felicitated
As an encouragement to those protecting the saplings, Sattaiah and Yadaiah — from Giripally village in Gajwel mandal — were felicitated by Mr. Venkataram Reddy on Thursday at a programme held at Gajwel. Each of them were extended a cash incentive of ₹10,000.
These VGBs will be trained on protection of sapling and techniques in growing them.