Proposal sent for Rs.3.5-cr. national park

By T. Lalith Singh

HYDERABAD, SEPT. 12. The Andhra Pradesh Forest Development Corporation has forwarded a proposal for development of the Mahaveer Harini Vanasthali National Park as `Nischal Van' to the New Delhi-based Bhagvan Mahaveer 2,600th Janma Kalyana Mahotsava Maha Samithi. The samithi chaired by the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, would meet in New Delhi shortly to decide on extending financial assistance for the project.

The park spread over 3,600 acres of notified forest area presently has about 500 black bucks and more than 700 cheetals apart from a good population of peacocks, wild boars and birds. The proposal estimated to cost Rs. 3.5 crores, plan to utilise the tranquil environs, undulating terrain and the lush forest growth, for developing different sectors such as `Dhyan Van' (for meditation), `Ayurveda Van' (for medicinal plants and herbs) and a `Prani Van' (conservation of wild life and birds).

It was also proposed to create water bodies, improve the migratory corridor and lay self-guided five kms long nature trials apart from improving amenities for visitors and introducing catering services.

"There will be provision for five cottages, dormitories and pitched tent accommodation for the visitors. A statue of Lord Mahaveer, who preached `Sarva Prani Raksha', is also planned," a Forest Department official said.

The National Park presently has an Environmental Education Centre, auditorium, library and amphi-theatre which would also be improved for attracting more visitors.

The sprawling Mahaveer Vanasthali National Park on the Vijayawada Highway presently comprises four blocks -- Hayathnagar, Mansurabad, Qutbullahpur and Kuntlur. While the Hayathnagar block and parts of Mansurabad block have been completely developed and fenced, work was being taken-up on other blocks. "This is a continuous forest area with good grass land making it an ideal habitat for black bucks and cheetals," the Curator of National Parks, Mr. A. Sankaran, said.

The Director, Eco-Tourism, Mr. S. Balakrishna hoped that the samithi would extend budget for the `Nischal Van'. "Even if they agree to provide a part of the required budget, we will raise the remaining amount from other sources as this would be the only large environmental project in the entire country," he said.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : Facility for obtaining news about Indians in New
           York
Next     : Revenue staff stir enters second day