ECO-TOURISM

Andhra Pradesh is endowed with a rich and varied Bio-diversity distributed over a mosaic of different habitats spread over the Eastern Ghats, the Deccan Plateau Region, the Coastal Mangroves, the Fresh Water bodies like Kolleru and Brackish water bodies like the Pulicat and the grasslands of Rollapadu. These varied habitats have been supporting a variety of animal and plant species ranging from the Tiber, Gaur, Elephant, Black Buck and a variety of Deers and Antelpes, besides a variety of birds, including the Great Indian Bustard the Spot bill Pelican, the Lesser Florican and the near extinct Jerdon’s Courser. In addition to the above faunal species, the forests of Andhra Pradesh support about 5000 plant species consisting of species like Teak, Rosewood, Sandal Wood, and the endemic Red Sanders and Cycas beddomeii, etc.,

Eco-Tourism is “A responsible travel to natural areas, which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of the local people”.

The primary objective of the Eco-Tourism is to show case the natural resource to different segments of the society, for viewing the nature and the natural processes for educational, recreational values and to propagate the message of environmental conservation.

To attract both domestic and foreign tourists by creating adequate infrastructure for accommodation, food and transport facilities in the Forest areas, Sanctuary areas and zoological gardens.

The main activities involved in Eco-Tourism are non-consumptive like Bird watching, Trekking, Nature trails, River rafting and more importantly mere watching of the scenic beauty of the Hills, Valleys, Meadows, Water bodies and the natural processes and learn to live in Nature. Eco-tourism also preaches the understanding and respecting various cultures and customs of people living in the area.

   The Government of AP has designated A.P. Forest Development Corporation Ltd., in G.O.Ms. No. 54 EFS&T (For.-II) Dept., Dt:26-6-2001, to implement the Eco-Tourism Projects in the Reserved Forests, Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks and Zoological Parks of the state. 

   The prime objective of these projects is to conserve the rich Biodiversity and propagate the message of environmental conservation to the people of Andhra Pradesh, by creating infrastructure facilities and visitor amenities by private participation. 

   In implementing the Eco-Tourism Projects the ownership of the land and all the assets created there on will remain with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, represented by APFDC, right from day one till the end of the Concession Agreement.

   The private Developer will develop the Project as per the components approved by the Govt. with limited visitor amenities and maintain and operate the same till end of the concession period.

Located in Kothaguda R.F. Block on Kondapur – Gachibowli Road near the Hi-tec City, Madapur, Hyderabad. The Botanical Gardens is proposed to be developed over an area of 128.07 Acres to conserve the plant Bio-diversity and to develop a Gene Bank apart from promoting the environmental education, botanical research and also to act as a recreation centre with a project outlay of about Rs.39 crores.

It is proposed to develop  (18) Botanical Sectors exhibiting about 5000 species of plants collected through out sub-continent. Out of which, 7 sectors have been developed and opened to public viz., Rock Pool, Aquatic, Bamboo/ Canes, Palmarium/ Cycads, Tree grove, Ornamental and Medicinal Plants sectors. The balance sectors will be taken up in the next four years through Private sector participation (Ms. DTC Ltd.,)

                  

Mahavir Nischalvan Eco-Tourism Centre: 

Developed in Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Parks, Vanasthalipuram, Hyderabad, a prominent Black Buck conservation area in the country spread over an area of 3605 Acres. The Park area comprises with wide variety of plant species and fauna like Black Buck, Cheetal, Wild Boar, Mongoose and different verities of birds. APFDC has developed an Eco-Tourism Centre at the Park with the following facilities for Cozy and Serene stay.

The Eco- Tourism Projects in Andhra Pradesh being implemented by APFDC Ltd., Hyderabad are operated on the principle of ‘Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Maintain’ (DBFO) Model with the participation of private Developers. The Developer is given specific concession for the above purpose to operate in the Reserved Forest without any rights of ownership on the land or other assets created and are allowed to recoup his expenditure before the end of the concession period with profit sharing basis.

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