Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan inaugurates six Nagaravanams, calls for boosting eco-tourism

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Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan participated in the inauguration of Nagaravanams in virtual mode from Mangalagiri in Guntur district on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday said that the government was focusing on bringing people closer to nature while creating livelihood opportunities for tribal youth through eco-tourism.

Virtually inaugurating six developed Nagaravanams (urban forests) from his camp office in Mangalagiri, Mr. Pawan Kalyan, who is also the Forest and Environment Minister, said that the number of urban forests in the State had increased to 25.

Developed across 304.60 hectares at a cost of around ₹13 crore, the urban forests at Bapatla, Chirala, Kotappakonda, Vinukonda, Piduguralla and Macherla were being developed as green spaces, offering walking and cycling tracks, children’s play areas and gym equipment.

Mr. Pawan Kalyan said the urban forests would serve as ‘green lungs’ for towns, providing clean air, greenery and pleasant surroundings while promoting well-being.

He said tourism development was being planned by connecting the attractions in the State, from the Nallamala forests and Eastern Ghats to coastal areas and spiritual destinations.

He said eco-tourism would create employment for tribal youth and improve the livelihoods of communities dependent on forests.

The Nallamala Jungle Safari at Velugodu would offer visitors opportunities to experience the forest landscape and observe wildlife and birds in their habitat, while creating employment for more than 80 rural families.

The Deputy Chief Minister said trekking facilities at Maredumilli would provide employment to tribal youth as local guides, enabling them to introduce visitors to the region’s biodiversity, natural attractions, culture and traditions. An Aroma Canopy Walk, developed at a cost of ₹1 crore amid coffee plantations, with a coffee canopy walk, café and bird nest facilities, would add to Maredumilli tourism.

Andhra Pradesh Green Executive Committee Chairman Konidala Nagababu said the projects reflected the government’s approach to balancing nature conservation, public welfare, employment and tourism development. He said community-based eco-tourism could strengthen forest conservation while generating livelihood opportunity for local youth.

During the programme, Mr. Pawan Kalyan released two Forest Department publications, “Wild Ornamental Plants of the Nallamala Forest of Andhra Pradesh” and “Tree Translocation Manual”.

Officials also received a Pramaan certificate recognising sustainable management practices followed by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Development Corporation in eucalyptus pulpwood plantations.

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