Telangana Govt keen on developing eco-tourism: Indrakaran

Minister for Forests, Environment, Endowments and Housing Allola Indrakaran Reddy said special focus would be laid on eco-tourism. He formally inaugurated an urban forest park, Gundi Ramanna Harita Vanam, on the outskirts of Chincholi (B) village in Nirmal mandal on Thursday. The park involved an investment of Rs 1.90 crore.

Addressing a gathering, Indrakaran Reddy expressed concern over declining forest cover and the adverse impact of climate change. He stated that the government aimed to plant 233 crore saplings with an objective to increase the green cover by 33%. A total of 133 crore saplings have already been planted. Authorities have been instructed to plant 83 crore saplings under the fifth and ongoing edition of Telanganaku Harita Haram.

“The government brought in provisions to ensure the survival of 85 per cent of saplings. Both officials and public representatives should take the responsibility of



protecting the saplings, besides participating in the plantation activity. Everyone must strive hard for providing livable weather to future generations,” the Minister said.

Indrakaran stated that the government was keen on developing eco-tourism and walking tracks would be created in eco-parks to be developed in every district soon. He added that steps were being taken to convert Basar, Kadem, Jannaram, SRSP, Kuntala waterfalls and Nirmal town into major tourist hubs at the earliest.

The Minister earlier planted saplings on the premises of Soan police station as part of Telanganaku Harita Haram. He also inaugurated the office of Field Director to Project Tiger in Nirmal town. He was accompanied by Collector M Prashanthi, SP C Shashidhar Raju, Conservator of Forests CP Vinod Kumar, and District Forest Officers VSNV Prasad, Shivani Dogre and Dr B Prabhakar.