Khammam’s Puligundala set to become an ecotourism destination in Telangana

The tank is situated within the Kanakagiri reserve forest block of the Tallada range in the Sathupally division of the district. Spanning 14,422 hectares, the deciduous bamboo forest surrounds the area. It is positioned 11.5 km from Ramakrishnapuram village along the Khammam to Aswaraopet State Highway-42.

Khammam: The scenic Puligundala tank surrounded by thick forests and hillocks is set to become an ecotourism destination in the State as the Khammam district administration and the Forest department have embarked on an ambitious project of establishing a Nature Conservation Park in the area.

The tank is located in the Kanakagiri reserve forest block of Tallada range of Sathupally division in the district. The deciduous bamboo forest is spread over an area of 14,422 hectares. It is located 11.5km from Ramakrishnapuram village on the Khammam to Aswaraopet State Highway-42. The project, initiated seven years ago, gained momentum recently as

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District Forest Officer Siddharth Vikram Singh prepared a plan to develop facilities for eco-tourism promotion with an estimated cost of Rs.67 lakh, which would be provided by the district Collector.

The park would be developed by the Forest department, while running and maintenance would be done by Zoos and Parks Authority of Telangana (ZAPAT) by involving local communities and tribes. Two watchtowers – a Palapitta Watchtower and a Leopard Watchtower – with a selfie point on top of the hillock nearby have been set up for the visitors to admire the picturesque hills.

Speaking to Telangana Today, Vikram Singh informed that the Puligundala project has immense potential to emerge as a favoured eco-tourism destination because of its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. As many as 10 leopards, 10 sloth bears, besides huge numbers of chousinghas, spotted deers and Indian gaur have been spotted in the region, he said.
The Nature Conservation Park that supports flora and fauna including migratory birds is ideal for bird watching, sky gazing and adventurous trekking. It is planned to introduce boating in the tank spread over around 40 acre. Mini-water fall, which comes alive in monsoon, at Puligundam is an added attraction, the DFO said.

For wildlife safari and trekking, a 6 km track connecting with the Puligundam waterfall and a 15 km track covering the ghat portion to the Leopard Watchtower have been set up. The ghat portion has to be reached with 4-wheel drive vehicles. A parking place is being developed on one acre of open forest. Safari rides would be operated across the year except during the rainy season. It is planned to build non-permanent wooden tree houses and cottages for the stay of tourists, Vikram Singh said.
It is planned to provide livelihood to nearby villagers by engaging them in motor boat operation, non- permanent eco-cottages maintenance, parking and entry fee, food arrangement to tourists, wildlife safari and nature trail guide fee, operation of cafe point and others, he added.