Mrugavani National Park

Mrugavani National Park (MNP) situated at Chilkur in Moinabad is spread over 890 acres and is home to 600 different types of plant and animal life.The flora is a sprawling 130 species of herbal and medicinal value plants and trees such as teak, bamboo, sandal, picus, palas and rela.

Animal life (fauna) includes 20 species that includes cheetal, sambar, spotted deer, hare, porcupine, wild boar and Indian rat besides 20 reptiles and amphibians’ species that include Monitor Lizard, Snakes, Python, Russell Viper, Krait and Cobra Frog. Apart from this, 130 avian species find their homes for resting, roosting and nesting in this park, which includes Peafowl, Partridge, Quail, Lapwing, Sun bird, Duck and Egret.

The area is rich in magnificent invertebrate life forms, which includes several species of butterflies, moths, dragon flies, beetles and termites. Major landmarks of the neighbourhood are TP Police Academy (1986), Grey Hounds (1989), Defense Establishments, Golconda Fort (1600) and Osman Sagar (1920). It is 35 km to Secunderabad Railway Station and 25 km to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

History

MNP Forest Ranger, Mohd Najeeb Ahamed, said, “The park was inaugurated for public view in 1988 by NT Rama Rao, then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.” This National Park showcases the forest type as Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests, and the area has an undulating terrain with rock formations, dense vegetation and water resources. The Indian government announced it as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1994.

The park has a well defined visitor zone with an Environmental Education Center with facilities like, cottages for day stay, watch tower for overview, nature camp shed and safari drive. The park is under the administrative control of K Mohan Divisional Forest Officer, (Wildlife Management), Hyderabad, who conducts series of natural camps for school children, NGOs and assorted groups.

On an average 60 camps are conducted yearly, which includes, trekking, bird watching, identification of plant species, interactive snake show, quiz programme, film show and slide shows. The park is open on all days except Mondays from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Entry fee is Rs 10 for adults, Rs 5 for children and Rs 20 for Safari Park. Up to 150 people visit daily. However, majority people prefer weekends that sees over 500 people.

Problems

On condition of anonymity some safari visitors said that animals, such as deers and birds like peafowls are active but appears to be weak due less greenery and insufficient water for their use. The wildlife authorities need to address the issue for the good health of the animals and birds.

By:Ch Saibaba