Nellore: The three-day `Flamingo festival' commenced on a colourful note at the Government Junior College Grounds in Sullurpet on Friday amidst applause from a huge gathering. The district administration made elaborate arrangements for the purpose and constituted a number of committees to overlook the conduct of the festival.

Delivering the inaugural address, Minister for Primary Education N. Rajyalakshmi, who specially came for the purpose from Hyderabad, lauded the authorities for the impressive arrangements and said the extensive publicity was bound to generate more awareness among public regarding the importance of festival.

Pointing out that the well-known rocket centre, popularly known as `SHAR Centre' was located at Sullurpet, the Minister pointed that the `Flamingo festival' should also attain such importance. According to her, every bird coming from distant places like Siberia should be treated as `distinguished guests' and accorded appropriate importance. Ms. Rajyalakshmi expressed hope that holding of the festival annually would carry the message of environment and protection of rare birds to various corners of the country.

She assured all help from the Government in this regard.

Development plan

Speaking on the occasion Collector M. Ravichandra said that a comprehensive development plan for the area was envisaged keeping in view its location and importance. He expressed happiness that year after year, the festival had been generating keen interest among bird lovers. Among those who addressed the gathering included MLAs — N. Subramanyam, A. Prabhakara Reddy, P. Prakasa Rao and M. Parvatamma — besides MPs M. Srinivasulu Reddy and Ch. Mohan.

Mobile exhibition

Earlier, they went round the colourfully decorated 67 stalls and witnessed the horticulture fair. They also formally launched the mobile tourism exhibition.

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