Forest department to develop Araku, Bhairavakona to attract tourists

Guntur: As part of promoting tourism in the state, the forest department will develop Vana Vihari (eco-tourism) centres to attract more tourists. Following the directions of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in the recent Collectors’ conference, the government had allotted Rs 5.5 crore to forest department. Similarly, it will upgrade existing eco-tourism centres with Rs 4.5 crore this year.

Sources in forest department said the government has plans to develop Bhairavakona in Prakasam district, Araku in Visakhapatnam, Sunnapudgedda waterfalls near Srikakulam, Donkarai in East Godavari as Vana Vihari (eco-tourism) centres.

The forest department has already taken steps to develop the centres. Bhairavakona in Nallamala forest in Prakasam district is already attracting the tourists and the forest department had allotted Rs 50-lakh to set up food courts and construct cottages for the convenience of tourists. Similarly, the forest department will develop Araku valley near Visakhapatnam with Rs 75 lakh to attract the tourists. 

Similarly, Telineelapuram and Telukunchi bird sanctuaries in Srikakulam and Sunnapugedda waterfalls in Srikakulam district will be developed at a cost of Rs 45 lakh. The officials have already taken steps to develop Diguvametta in Prakasam district at a cost of Rs 1-crore.

The forest department will also develop the existing eco-tourism centres in Uppalapadu in Guntur district, Hamsaladeevi in Krishna district, Tatipudi in Vizianagaram, Talakona in Chittoor district, Maredumilli in East Godavari, Pacherla in Kurnool district at a cost of Rs 4.5 crore.

Speaking to The Hans India, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Department P Mallikarjuna Rao said, “Following instructions of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, we have taken steps to develop seven eco-tourism centres. We will upgrade the existing eco-tourism centres this year. The programme is aimed to attract more tourists and to create awareness on forests.”