AP Govt plans safari zoo at Kondapalli

Vijayawada: The State government is going to establish a safari zoo at Kondapalli in Krishna district which is a stone’s throw away from Andhra Pradesh State capital of Amaravati. 

The project needs clearance from the Centre’s Forest and Environment ministry. Already, the State government has sent a proposal in this regard to the Centre. According to officials, the project needs 800 acres land. Already the officials have identified the suitable forest land for this purpose.

Presently, the zoos exist only in Vizag and Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh after the State bifurcation. Nearly 20,000 people visit the zoos in Vizag and Tirupati every day. The State government envisaged that there would be more footfalls for the safari zoo.  

As per the plans, the proposed safari zoo at Amaravati will have more attractions. The State government has plans to start the zoo with 1,000 animals. The animals could be received from various countries in Africa and Europe continents. The visitors can visit the animals in close distance under security arrangements.

The State government decided to establish the safari zoo exclusively as safari zoos attract visitors in large numbers in foreign countries. Various varieties of animals could be introduced under exchange programme, said BNN Murthy, Director of Zoos, Andhra Pradesh. Speaking to The Hans India, he said various types of options are there to establish a safari zoo. 

Meanwhile, the State government aimed at attracting the visitors in a big way through safari zoo. Already the entire Kondapalli forest stretch is having tourism attractions including a historical fort and Kondapalli toys. The area assumed significance as Krishna-Godavari confluence location. The State government developed the area in the name of Pavitra Sangamam.

Now the State government wants to develop the zoo with various parks and greenery. Once the zoo is established at Kondapalli, the entire location would get tourists in a big way from various parts of the country. 

The officials envisage that the safari zoo could be useful for cinema shootings. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also directed the officials of Forest Department to make necessary plans in this regard.