Pulicat Festival To Promote Trekking, Eco-tourism
Officials said the event would be used as a platform to highlight Tirupati district’s natural wealth, including its nearly 42 per cent forest cover, waterfalls and eco-sensitive zones that are ideal for trekking and nature-based tourism
NELLORE: With a focus on eco-tourism and adventure travel, the district administration on Thursday announced that trekking routes, including the scenic Ubbalamadugu waterfalls, will be promoted as a major attraction during the Flamingo Festival to be held at Sullurpet on January 10 and 11 along Pulicat Lake and the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary.
The announcement was made during an awareness rally organised as part of the run-up to the annual bird festival. Officials said the event would be used as a platform to highlight Tirupati district’s natural wealth, including its nearly 42 per cent forest cover, waterfalls and eco-sensitive zones that are ideal for trekking and nature-based tourism.
The rally was flagged off by district collector Dr Venkateshwar from the SV University Taaraka Rama Grounds to the Four Pillars Mandapam. Trainee collector Sandeep Raghu Vanshi, Tourism Department RDO Ramana Prasad, Reach Global Foundation founder Dr Ramesh Naad Linguntla, education department officials and a large number of students took part.
Speaking on the occasion, the collector said elaborate arrangements were being made to organise the festival on a grand scale, following last year’s success, which attracted nearly three to four lakh visitors. This year’s programme will feature birdwatching at Nelapattu and Atakanitippa, boating at BV Palem, exhibitions, stalls, games and awareness programmes focused on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection.
As part of corporate social responsibility initiatives, Sri City will organise a two-day workshop for bird and wildlife enthusiasts, along with industry-led stalls and interactive sessions. In line with the Chief Minister’s vision for island tourism development, a tourism circuit connecting BV Palem and Irrakam Island is also being planned.
Free bus facilities will be provided for schoolchildren and select visitor groups to enable them to attend the festival. At BV Palem, boating services will be offered at minimal charges to support local fishermen societies. Comprehensive security arrangements, including CCTV surveillance and drone monitoring, will be put in place to ensure effective crowd and traffic management.
The collector said the district administration, in coordination with local legislators, NGOs, universities and other institutions, was fully prepared to host the festival in a safe, orderly and eco-friendly manner. Ministers Anagani Satya Prasad, Kandula Durgesh and Anam Ramanarayana Reddy are expected to attend the festival as chief guests on January 10 and 11.
The public has been invited to visit Pulicat Lake, experience the Flamingo Festival, explore the promoted trekking routes and contribute to the sustainable growth of tourism in the district.