The deer park, presently spread over 25 acres abutting the scenic Kinnerasani dam in Palvancha mandal, is all set to be expanded into 625 acres facility for creating ample space for deer to move around freely as well as to transform the picturesque site into a major eco-tourism hotspot.
The expansion of the park has become imperative to overcome space and resource constraints in the wake of multiplying population of spotted deer.
Over 100 spotted deer are presently housed in the park, which is part of the Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary.
With the release of several rescued deer from various parts of the erstwhile Khammam district into the park in the recent past, their population has reportedly reached the saturation level, sources said.
New fencing, grassland
As part of the ambitious expansion plan, the Forest Department has embarked on civil work to expand the area of the park, erect new fencing and develop grasslands.
Kothagudem MLA Jalagam Venkat Rao launched the civil work at the deer park on Wednesday.
The Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) has initiated a grand plan to develop facilities at Kinnerasani dam site to turn the spot into a major tourism destination in the State.
Work is under way to construct nine cottages, a food court and a glass house at an estimated cost of ₹23 crore at the Kinnerasani project site, the sources added.
The Forest Department has also mooted a plan to develop a safari park at the site which is part of the wildlife sanctuary.
The existing deer park would be expanded at an estimated cost of ₹1.10 crore, said S. Rambabu, District Forest Officer, Bhadradri-Kothagudem.
A master plan is being prepared to develop a safari park and run battery-operated vehicles by involving the local unemployed tribal youths to transform the spot into an eco-tourism hub, Mr. Rambabu said, adding that a proposal in this regard would be sent to the Central Zoo Authority soon for its approval.
