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Promoting eco-tourism......
An overview of Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary. — Photos: K.R. Deepak
Have you ever wished to nestle in the lap of Mother Nature? Wake up to the chirping of birds instead of the alarm clock? Such a dream visit to the forests will soon become a reality when the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary gets ready by this year-end.
The Kambalakonda project is based on the concept of community-based eco-tourism - a concept that is getting increasingly popular, thanks to the growing awareness among people about environmental protection.
What is eco-tourism? ''It means providing minimum facilities without disrupting the natural wildlife habitat,'' says the Conservator of Forests, M. Sudhakar, who is supervising this project.
Out of the entire forest area of 7,146 hectares, about 80 hectares is fenced for this sanctuary.
A Bee eater at the Sanctuary.
Right now there are no overnight stay facility like rest houses in the area. ''But there is a proposal to develop ethnic cottages with the help of the local people of Shambuvanipalem, a small hamlet inside the forest area,'' says the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park Curator, Vijayakumar. The purpose of this programme is to involve the local people in the development of the eco-tourism to avoid undue pressure on wildlife, the culture and the land of these people. These cottages will be environment-friendly accommodations, with minimum infrastructure.
"In recent years mismanaged wildlife tours have led to ecological disturbances of several habitats. Eco-tourism ensures economical sustainability of natural areas, with adequate provision for learning. There will be a couple of tourist guides who will take the visitors around the forest and tell them more about the different species of birds and animals,'' says Mr. Vijaykumar. These guides will be the local people from the neighbouring villages.
The idyllic surroundings of the sanctuary promise complete relaxation; the grand view of the rivulet in the backdrop of lush green forest makes it all the more refreshing. Ornithologists can spot a variety of colourful birds amongst the greens. You can get a glimpse of black dango, blue-tailed bee-eater, Indian roller, steaked weaver, red-whiskered bulbul, Indian robin, spot-billed duck and hoopoe.
There are also some rare plant species in the forest. A viewpoint, which is a ten-minute walk from the gateway, gives a panoramic view of the vast forest area. The journey through the serpentine forest road ascending through the hilly terrain into the wilderness is a good relief from the otherwise hectic quotidian life. You can spot wildlife in the early morning hours or just before dusk.
There are about 10 panthers in the area. In fact, a panther was reportedly spotted near the zoo on Wednesday last. Just a few days ago, a security guard saw a panther feasting on a deer by the riverside. "Such incidents are quite common here. In fact, the deer move towards the main gate in a large group in the evenings for fear of panthers,'' security guard Venkateswara Rao says. Apart from panthers, there are bears, spotted deer, jackals, pythons, king cobras, ratels, monitor lizards, peacocks and Indian porcupines among other animals in the forest.
You can also hike the hills and catch the breathtaking view of sunrise and sunset. ''We have made a trekking path inside the forest which stretches to 15 km. and goes across four hillocks,'' Mr. Sudhakar says. "Last year a group of 20 persons from the Himalayan trekking team had come here. We gave them full assistance and guided them throughout,'' he says. However right now none is allowed to stay inside after dusk.
This five-year project was started in November last. The total project cost is around Rs.25 lakhs. The Forest Department has received Rs.5 lakhs from the Government and another Rs.5 to 6 lakhs from the district administration for the development plan. ''We need more funds. We are also trying to tie up with the AP Tourism Department,'' avers Mr. Sudhakar. The construction of the approach roads is a difficult task and involves a lot of money.
Since there are no overnight stay facilities there, tourists don't prefer to come there and explore the forest. No vehicles are allowed inside the area, which is another reason for its not being a popular tourist spot. Now it has become a favourite spot for young couples and students who sneak away from colleges to spend some time in the serene, secluded place. "We can't prevent them from coming here since they are the only source of funds we get. Every month we collect around Rs.15,000 by way of entry fee.''
Right now a stone patched road has been developed to help people move around the forest. "We hope to get a proper track made soon for the vehicles to go around. Our idea is to make a kind of nature-park without disturbing the natural ambience of the forest,'' says Mr. Sudhakar. There is also a proposal to develop small parking areas inside the sanctuary. When it is complete, tourists will be able to go around the forest in vehicles.
Once the Kambalakonda project gets ready, we can hope that a harmonious coexistence with nature will become a reality.
NIVEDITA GANGULY
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