The Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary at Atapaka in Krishna district has got some new facilities including new Environmental Education Centre (EEC), bird watch tower and a new boat to woo tourists.
Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) S.S. Sreedhar inaugurated the EEC and new boat at the sanctuary. “The new facilities, which changed the face of the sanctuary, promise quality time spending by tourists. The facilities for the tourists who visit the spot in large numbers to witness the beauty of the winged visitors will draw many others,” said Mr. Sreedhar.
Chief Conservator of Forests (Rajahmundry) B.K. Singh was also present at the sanctuary and visited the iron bunds. In the EEC, Bird Call Interactive wing and 3D relief maps are prime attractions besides boating in the pond at the sanctuary, where migratory birds pelicans and open billed storks have already arranged nests during their breeding season.
An exclusive children’s park and traditional fishing diorama are a few tempting attractions on the premises of the EEC and tourists are being allowed from Thursday. “New boating point is also operational to manage the crowd. A hall having audio-visual facilities for screening documentaries and arranging talks/workshops will be coming up at the sanctuary in coming months,” said Wildlife Management Division Divisional Forest Officer, Eluru, Khalilullah Khan.
Community based eco-tourism project has been proposed near the sanctuary under the control of Kaikaluru Forest Range of Eluru Wildlife Management, he said. Forest Range Officer M. Satyanandam, Deputy Range Officer, Kaikuluru P.N.V. Krishna and Forest Beat Officer K. Venkanna were also present.
