Revanth Seeks To Promote Eco-tourism In Telangana
Revanth Reddy noted that while countries like Singapore have developed night safaris on just 30 acres, Telangana possesses extensive forest tracts with rivers and waterfalls, which can be leveraged for tourism
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials to focus on the development of eco-tourism in Telangana, making full use of the state’s vast forest resources.
Chairing a review meeting on the forest department at the ICCC on Tuesday, Revanth Reddy noted that while countries like Singapore have developed night safaris on just 30 acres, Telangana possesses extensive forest tracts with rivers and waterfalls, which can be leveraged for tourism.
He observed that despite having the Amrabad and Kawal Tiger Reserves, many people from Telangana still travel to places like Bandipur and Tadoba in other states to see tigers. He instructed officials to create better facilities to attract more visitors to Telangana’s tiger reserves.
The Chief Minister also stressed the need to resolve land disputes between the Forest and Revenue Departments through joint surveys, directing district collectors to pay special attention to the matter. Plans should also be drawn up for the development of the Kakatiya Zoo in Warangal. Noting that Warangal is the state’s second-largest city after Hyderabad, he suggested exploring public-private partnership opportunities for upgrading the zoo.
Revanth Reddy instructed officials to ensure that compensation is provided immediately to those injured or killed in wild animal attacks, as well as to those who lose livestock or pets in such incidents. Funds from the CM Relief Fund should be utilised for this purpose, he said.
The Chief Minister stressed the need for close coordination between the forest department and other departments undertaking road or infrastructure projects in forest areas to ensure necessary permissions are obtained without delays. He also called for expediting approvals from the Union ministry of environment and forests.
Highlighting the importance of wildlife monitoring, he directed that all forest surveillance cameras be integrated with the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) in Hyderabad to track the movement of animals and strengthen conservation measures.
Revanth Reddy inquired about the shortage of officials in the Forest Department and asked the Chief Secretary to liaise with the Centre for the allocation of adequate Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers to the state. He also instructed the department to prepare proposals for filling vacancies and implementing promotions without delay.
To encourage efficiency, he called for the reinstatement of awards for officials demonstrating exceptional performance.
The review meeting was attended by forest and environment minister Konda Surekha, forest department principal secretary Ahmad Nadeem, Chief Minister’s OSD Vemula Srinivasulu, PCCF Dr C. Suvarna, PCCF (Wildlife) Elusing Meru, and other senior officials.