Eco Park a sight to behold

Mulugu: The Eco Park with a horde of spotted deer, which is ready to throw open, could well be an amusing sight for the tourists. Nestled in the lap of nature, the Eco Park, 215 kilometers northeast of Hyderabad, is easily accessible for those heading to visit stupefying beauty of Laknavaram Lake and its twin suspension bridges.

The park is one among many a project initiated by the Forest Department to harness the tourism potential in Bhupalpally and Mulugu districts. The park, which was proposed a couple of years ago, is all spruced up and waiting for inauguration.

The 20-acre Eco Park that precedes open deer enclosure has landscaping, lotus pond, butterfly-shaped garden etc. While the children have an exclusive special play area, the authorities also earmarked space for adventure sports for adults.

A one-tiered pagoda is already in place for tourists to experience the nature’s abundance. To provide even better experience, the authorities are also planned a two-tiered pagoda on a nearby hillock, which is under construction.

The park has a food court which is to be run by the members of local self-help groups (SHGs). In a bid to cater delicious food varieties to visitors, the Forest Department has provided 45-day training to the members of SHGs who were entrusted with the responsibility of the canteen.

Talking to The Hans India, Forest Range Officer (FRO), Pasra, Madhavi Sheethal said: “The Eco Park is ready for inauguration and it won’t take much time. The open deer enclosure already has 21 spotted deer.” It’s learnt that so far the Forest Department has invested about Rs 1 crore to turn the Eco Park a most sought-after tourism spot. The park is strategically located and easy to access for the tourists heading to Laknavaram Lake.

In fact, the Eco Park was scheduled to be opened by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Prashanth Kumar Jha and Mahabubabad MP Azmeera Seetharam Naik on February 20, but for unforeseen reasons the inauguration was put off. It may be mentioned here that Seetharam Naik has provided a part of funding from his MP-LAD funds. Jayashankar-Bhupalpally and Mulugu (FAC) District Forest Officer, SV Pradeep Kumar Shetty is keen to develop laidback destinations so that to improve the tourism economy of the region.

Ecotourism Coordinator Kalyanapu Suman said that Eco Park adds colour to the ongoing ecotourism programmes such as rock climbing, trekking, bird watching, cycling etc. in Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Tadwai and Laknavaram.

For those, who are planning a trip to laidback destinations in Bhupalpally and Mulugu districts, can contact Kalyanapu Suman on 73826 19363 and 94935 49399 numbers to get information about ecotourism activities.