Hyderabad: Telangana Forest, Environment and Endowments Minister Konda Surekha said on Friday that the government is working with a clear vision to turn Telangana into an eco-tourism hub. She said development of these projects should follow a holistic approach, respecting local culture, tribal traditions and spiritual heritage.
The Minister chaired a meeting of the Eco-Tourism Project Screening Committee at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat. She instructed officials to speed up works, start phase II immediately where Phase I is complete, and ensure that projects taken up by TGFDC and TGTDC are formalised through MoUs for better coordination.
Konda Surekha said eco-tourism projects in areas with temples should also be developed spiritually. She announced a special plan for Niladri Hills, likening it to the Bhimbetka Hills of Madhya Pradesh, and directed that funds be arranged from the Tourism and Endowments Departments to promote it as a unique eco-tourism site.
The Meeting Reviewed Projects at Ananthagiri Hills (Vikarabad), Kanakagiri (Khammam), Mucherla Eco Park (Nalgonda), Manjeera Wildlife Sancture (SAGAREDY) Domalapenta, Amaragiri, Pakhal Lake, Kinnerasani, Nagarjuna Sagar and Vanasthali.
Concluding the review, Konda Surekha urged all departments to work together to create world-class eco-tourism experiences, adding that Telangana will soon gain national and international recognition in this sector.
Senior officials including Principal Secretary Ahmad Nadeem, PCCF Dr. C. Suvarna, PCCF (Wildlife) Elusing Meru, TGFDC MD Sunita Bhagwat, and FDC Chairman Podem Veeraiah attended the meeting.
