ADILABAD: State government has announced a booster dose of `10 crore for the development of Adilabad’s Kuntala falls. The government sanctioned the amount on Friday. Out this amount, `6 crore would come from the Forest Development Corporation (FDC) and `4 crore from the Forest department.
Forest minister Jogu Ramanna on Friday held a review meeting with FDC chairman B Narender Reddy and Managing director Chandan Mitra to discuss the development of the Kuntala falls, at his camp office in Hyderabad. The minister said that with a lot of tourists visiting the waterfalls during the monsoon, the government was planning to develop it into a major tourist spot.
Proposals have already been floated to construct a suspension foot bridge, a ropeway and other facilities at the waterfalls. The sanctioned funds would now be utilised for improving security, wireless network, and road connectivity, as well as creating parking spaces and constructing special changing rooms and toilets.
The forest minister directed the officials to take steps to start the development works soon. On an average, over 3,000 tourists visit Kuntala waterfalls on a daily basis. Given its width of about 100 m and a drop of about 40 m, the waterfall is one of largest in entire South India.
However, it had been more in news for people drowning rather than its scenic beauty. Since 2,000, over 50 picnickers have died at here. Liquor is said to be major culprit behind this. Hence, the government has been taking steps to boost security here.
Survey on survival of saplings
Hyderabad: Forest and BC Welfare Minister Jogu Ramanna said they were conducting district-wise survey on the survival of saplings planted under Haritha Haaram programme. Interacting with the officials on Friday, the Minister said that every house should have at least six plants.