Forest officials of Amrabad Tiger Reserve and Telangana Tourism officials are considering operating their own boats from Srisailam left bank canal to Akka Mahadevi caves in Mahabubnagar district if AP Tourism fails to come forward to resolve issues pertaining to revenue-sharing from operation of the river cruise.
Speaking to The Hindu , a source in the Telangana Forest Department said they were planning to form Eco Developmental Committees (EDC) with local tribes to operate boats to the historical caves to help the tribes earn a livelihood. We have also had to maintain the caves and other tourist places located around Akka Mahadevi since tourists throw plastic and other waste during their visit,” forest officials said to explain why they were seeking a share in the AP Tourism’s river cruise revenue.
As part of Community Based Ecotourism (CBET), the source said that locals had been successfully maintaining Mallela Teertham waterfall, Rasumallabavi and Farahabad Tiger Safari tourist places in Amrabad Tiger reserve where about 12 tribes have been benefiting from each tourist spot..
