Six urban forests, three eco-tourism projects launched in AP

Metro India News | AMARAVATI : Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Forest and Environment Minister Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday virtually inaugurated six urban forests and three eco-tourism projects, aimed at combining environmental conservation, local livelihoods and tourism development. Speaking at the programme, AP Green Executive Committee chairman Nagababu said the initiatives reflected Pawan Kalyan’s approach of balancing “nature, people and development”. The projects span urban green spaces, the Nallamala forests and the Eastern Ghats.

Six Nagaravanams have been developed across Bapatla, Chirala, Kotappakonda, Vinukonda, Piduguralla and Macherla over 304.60 hectares. Deputy CM said they were being developed not merely as parks and walking tracks but as green spaces providing cleaner air, greenery and healthier surroundings amid rapid urbanisation.

A key eco-tourism initiative is the Nallamala Jungle Safari at Velugodu, developed under the Andhra Pradesh Forest Development Corporation. The safari will offer visitors an opportunity to experience the Nallamala landscape and view wildlife such as tigers, leopards, bears and birds in their natural habitat.

Deputy CM said the project would also generate direct employment for more than 80 rural families, linking forest conservation with sustainable livelihoods and local economic development. In Maredumilli, a trekking route has been developed to provide employment to tribal youth as local trekking guides. They will introduce tourists to the region’s biodiversity, natural attractions and tribal culture.

Another attraction is the Rs 1-crore Aroma Canopy Walk, developed amid coffee plantations. The elevated coffee canopy walkway, along with a coffee café and bird nest facility, is expected to give a fresh impetus to nature tourism in the region.

The minister said the projects sought to expand livelihood opportunities while protecting forests and natural resources, with community participation forming an important component of the State’s eco-tourism strategy.