Tigers of the Eastern Ghats

[Sanju]

Soon, Andhra Pradesh to get three tiger safari parks

*This image is copyright of its original author

Credit: ThinkStock Photos
@parvez @Panther
There are plans to set up three tiger safari parks in Andhra Pradesh. This big move has been seen as an initiative to promote tourism in the state. P Mallikarjuna Rao, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) said that as per the plan, the safaris would be coming up in Kurnool, Visakhapatnam and Rajahmundry.

He inspected forest nurseries and works here on Wednesday and inaugurated new buildings. Speaking on the occasion, PCCF explained that a detailed survey was conducted on Tiger Safari Parks to protect its population and to develop them as tourist spots.

The idea behind the setting up of these reserves is to conserve tiger population in the state and also develop the region as a major tourist destination in the country. Steps will also be taken to develop eco-tourism parks too, which have been proposed around 15 temples across the state. This move will help develop and improve the greenery in the region.

*This image is copyright of its original author

Credit: ThinkStock Photos

P Mallikarjuna Rao also added that the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park  will also be modernised and developed as part of the move. He inspected the works in Srikakulam and forest nurseries recently, and said that there are plans to set up a marine park in Visakhapatnam near Sagar Nagar on 36 acre land, which will eventually help conserve marine resources.

*This image is copyright of its original author

Principal chief conservator of forests P Mallikarjuna Rao inaugurating the new building at forest office in "Srikakulam" (mine )on Wednesday

Quote:PCCF was also quoted as saying, “As part of Vanam-Manam, we are planning to sow 27 crore saplings in the ensuing rainy season with cooperation of all other departments and geo-tagging would be done for their protection.”

At present,  elephant menace is prevailing in three locations across the state in "Srikakulam"  agency located on Odisha border, Kuppam in Chittoor district border of Tamil(a) Nadu and Karnataka states, Seshachalam Hills located in Chittoor and Kadapa districts.

Quote:“To prevent the elephant menace, we would conduct a detailed study on elephants’ problem in other countries like Africa”, PCCF added.

“In addition to it, we would use drones for continuous tracking and monitoring the movement of the elephants”, he said. He suggested to farmers to change cropping pattern in these locations to send out elephants as the wild tuskers are attracting for mango, banana crops, if they cultivate tobacco, elephants will not venture into the orchards, he elaborated.

A Marine Park was proposed in Visakhapatnam in five acres to protect marine living resources. Eco-tourism Parks (like in Kambala Konda Wildlife Sanctuary, Vizag) also being proposed at 15 temples across the state, PCCF explained. Greenery would be improved on 214 hills across the state where no plants are in existence.

“As part of Vanam-Manam, we are planning to sow 27 crore saplings in the ensuing rainy season with cooperation of all other departments and geo-tagging would be done for for their protection”, PCCF said. Conservator of forests (CCF) Rahul Pandey, district forest officer Ch Shanthi Swaroop and forest officials accompanied the PCCF.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/trav...368760.cms
https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index...sed/383613 Reply