New district to be named after Komaram Bheem: KCR

JODEGHAT (ADILABAD): The new district to be carved out of Adilabad district will be named after the legendry Gond leader Komaram Bheem and the proposed tribal university to be set up in the state will also be named after him.

Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao made the announcement at the Girijan Darbar organised at Jodeghat, the birth place of Komaram Bheem in Adilabad district, to commemorate his death anniversary on Wednesday.

Stating that a successful movement for Telangana state was taken up with the inspiration from Komaram Bheem, who had waged a relentless battle to protect the interests of Gonds and attained martyrdom in the process, the chief minister said Komaram Bheem's memory will be cherished and measures will be taken to honour his memory in a befitting manner.

KCR said in the erstwhile integrated state of Andhra Pradesh, the history and culture of Gonds, particularly those of likes of Komaram Bheem were suppressed and not given the due respect. 'Today, we have achieved our own state and people of Adilabad, particularly tribals have given an unanimous mandate to TRS party and we will try to fulfil their expectations,'' he said.

On the occasion, the chief minister announced that a world-class memorial for Komaram Bheem would be constructed at a cost of `25 crore. 'Today, I have laid foundation stone for the same and I will release the funds once I reach Hyderabad. Best of the architects and designers will be engaged for the purpose,' he said.

Accusing the previous government, KCR said Komaram Bheem's family was neglected and the respect they deserve was not accorded to them. Promising that the government will take care of the family, he announced `10 lakh aid to the family and also government jobs to two grandchildren of Komaram Bheem.

'Adilabad district, which is like Kashmir of Telangana state has a huge tourist potential with its lush green forests, springs and tribal culture. We will develop Jodeghat as tourist destination and acquire 100 acres of land around the memorial for the purpose.

Pointing out at lack of good roads from Hatti to Jodeghat, the chief minister sanctioned a double lane BT Road on the spot. He also announced that a Banjara Bhavan and Adivasi Bhavan will be constructed in Banajara Hills area of Hyderabad.

Pointing out at the rampant diseases in the district, particularly in tribal hamlets, KCR reasoned that it was due to lack of balanced diet. Emphasising the need for creating awareness about nutritious balanced diet, he said 20 of the 500 proposed cultural troupes will be from the district and will create awareness in Gond language. He also said that special teams from corporate hospitals in Hyderabad will visit Gond villages to do health counselling.