Six New Urban Forests To Drive Eco-Tourism, Tribal Jobs
With the six new urban forests, the total number in the state has risen to 25 from 19.
VIJAYAWADA: Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan said the government was focusing on connecting people with nature while creating livelihood opportunities for tribal youth through eco-tourism. Virtually inaugurating six newly developed urban forests under the Nagar Van Yojana on Tuesday, he said the projects would expand tourism from the Nallamala forests and Maredumilli to the coastal attractions of Bapatla and Chirala and the spiritual destination of Kotappakonda.
With the six new urban forests, the total number in the state has risen to 25 from 19. The latest projects have been developed across 305 hectares at a cost of Rs 13 crore. They will feature cycling and walking tracks, children’s play areas and gym equipment, besides providing surroundings for recreation, health and nature awareness.
Pawan Kalyan said Bapatla and Chirala would offer coastal tourism experiences, while Kotappakonda would promote spiritual tourism. Urban forests at Vinukonda, Devarampadu and Macherla would also be developed as tourism destinations.
He said eco-tourism would create jobs for tribal youth. The Velugodu Jungle Safari and Maredumilli trekking and aroma canopy walks would showcase forest landscapes and tribal culture while improving local livelihoods.
“We want to love nature and leave it as a gift for future generations,” he said, seeking public cooperation.
The Deputy Chief Minister released Wild Ornamental Plants of the Nallamala Forest of Andhra Pradesh and the Tree Translocation Manual. Forest officials also received the Pramaan certificate for sustainable management practices in eucalyptus pulpwood plantations by the AP Forest Development Corporation.
Energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar, AP Green chairman Konidela Nagendra Babu, MLAs and senior forest officials attended.
