An eco-restoration project is being implemented in 716 hectares under the Kinnersani Wildlife Sanctuary limits in Kothagudem mandal at an estimated cost of Rs. 60 lakh to reverse the damage caused to ecology due to ‘human intervention’ and restore the degraded ecosystem.
Chain-link fencing has been laid on one side and trenches had been dug up on other side of the site earmarked for the eco-restoration project at Chintonichelka village of Chatakonda forest range in Kothagudem mandal.
A total of 24 sprinklers had been set up to grow green grass in the specified site.
As many as 26 spotted deer, including five from Harina Vanasthali Park at Vanasthalipuram in Hyderabad and 20 from deer park at Shameerpet in Ranga Reddy district and one from the deer park at Kinnerasani project in the district had been shifted to the eco-restoration project site recently, sources added.
A plan is on the anvil to shift a few more deer from Kinnerasani Deer Park to the project site at Chintonichelka in view of the excess population of deer in the park beyond its stipulated capacity, sources added.
A total of 26 deer had been shifted from three different deer parks to the eco-restoration project site under the supervision of the trained personnel in compliance with the rules in force, said J. Venkateshwar Rao, Divisional Forest Officer, Wildlife Management, Palvancha.
Eco-restoration project is being implemented in little over 700 hectares of forest land, including several patches of land retrieved from encroachers under Chatakonda forest range, he said, adding that a fodder plot is being developed in ten acres under the project to feed deer.
He said a mini percolation tank has been dug up to cater to the drinking water needs of the deer.
Deer those brought to the project site from three parks are being released into the wild in a phased manner in strict adherence to the safety precautions and rules in force.
