Telangana plans ₹875 crore tiger tourism push
HYDERABAD: The Telangana government is preparing a ‘tiger tourism’ initiative aimed at restoring forests and strengthening conservation of tigers and other wildlife. It has drawn up an action plan worth ₹875 crore for Kawal and Mannanur tiger reserves.
The plan focuses on creating conditions for stable tiger habitats. Officials believe that once tigers establish territories, their population will grow. If successful, the government plans to introduce safaris in these zones to attract international tourists.
Kawal reserve forms key central India tiger corridor
Kawal Tiger Reserve spans Mancherial, Nirmal, Adilabad and Kumuram Bheem Asifabad districts, covering about 2,015.44 sq km. The core area is 892.23 sq km, while the buffer zone is 1,123.21 sq km.
The reserve forms part of the central Indian tiger landscape, linking Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve with Chhattisgarh’s Indravati reserve. Tigers move through this corridor. At present, about six to seven tigers have established habitats in north Telangana.
Mannanur reserve forest lies in the Nallamala region under Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Nagarkurnool district, around 150 km from Hyderabad.
Eco-tourism projects planned with minimal environmental impact
The government plans eco-tourism projects designed to offer direct nature experiences without harming the environment. Eco-friendly cottages and luxury tents will be built in Kawal and Mannanur to allow tourists to stay within forest zones.
Special safari vehicles will be introduced for wildlife viewing. The forest department will also set up digital museums and information centres to explain tiger behaviour and forest ecology.
Bird-watching trails and viewpoints will be developed. The projects aim to generate employment for local tribal communities and forest villages.
Local youth to be trained for tourism and conservation roles
The government plans to train local youth in hotel management, guiding and handicrafts. They will be engaged as guides and in managing eco-cottages.
Security and monitoring in forests will be strengthened. Base camps for forest beat officers will be set up. Surveillance will be increased using smart cameras and drones, while dog squads will help detect traps.
To prevent wildlife from entering human settlements during summer, solar borewells and artificial water pits will be created inside forests. Grasslands will be developed to increase prey such as deer, wild boar and nilgai.
Local Chenchu and tribal communities will be appointed as tiger trackers to support conservation and provide livelihoods.
