TIRUPATI: Ever heard of a tourism project, that not only proves to be entertainment for masses, but also helps in conserving the flora and fauna in the natural habitats beside providing alternative source of income for people dependent on the forest for their livelihood.
Community-Based Eco Tourism (CBET) projects at Mamandur and Talakona in wildlife management circle of Tirupati are two such projects, which are evoking good response from the public.
Increased monthly revenue stands testimony to it. In the current fiscal till date, the average monthly gross revenue is Rs 1.5 lakh when compare d to Rs 25,000 per month a year ago at Talakona CBET, while it is Rs 48,000 at Mamandur.
The CBETs were started in 2004 with an objective to provide sustainable livelihood to the tribals and people of the villages on fringes of forest and at the same time conserve the green cover.
It has started yielding results with members of Vana Samrakshana Samithi (VVS) members keen on improving the scheme further. In Mamandur, VSS members have come forward with a request to improve the infrastructure by way of setting up of restaurants, sale counters for forest produce, audio visual facilities, indoor and outdoor games. Responding positively, the forest department has handed over an old abandoned site, which has been developed into a resources centre called `Harini’. The enthusiasm of the VSS members, made the forest officials to renovate a 100-year-old Ranger’s Bunglow, which was in dilapidated condition and hand over to them for recreational facilities for tourists. Further, the tie-up with AP Tourism Development Corporation has seen a surge in tourists visiting the place.
The increased tourist inflow meant increased revenue, which helped in another 12 community members in addition to the existing six members, getting gainful employment.
According to sources, Mahendra and Mahendra company under its ZEST project has also come forward to have tie-up with the project for promoting eco-tourism. “CBET project is also helping us to monitor happenings in the forest and at the same time safeguard it from smugglers and poachers. Before the project was started, those living in and around forest were engaged by smugglers in felling the trees,’’ says wildlife management, Tirupati Circle DFO G Ramalingam.