A visual treat is in store for nature lovers as the refurbished Environmental Education Centre (EEC) at the Kinnerasani Dam site in Palvancha mandal is all set to operate in a full-fledged manner soon with some added attractions like stunning sculptures of wild animals.
Located within the Kinnerasani wildlife sanctuary, about 11 km from the power generation hub of Palvancha, the EEC has undergone a major makeover at a cost of ₹20 lakh.
The centre has been equipped with air-conditioning facility and improved digital tools including a projector to screen short films on wildlife conservation.
The boating facility launched by the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) at the Kinnerasani Reservoir around two years ago has become a major draw for many tourists visiting the picturesque site.
The Kinnerasani Dam site, surrounded by the deer park and EEC, is witnessing a slew of infrastructure development activities under the Central Government-sponsored eco-tourism project, sources said.
An array of impressive sculptures of wild animals like spotted deer and leopards inhabiting the Kinnerasani sanctuary spread over 635 sq. km. made their way into the refurbished EEC.
The awe-inspiring wildlife sculptures were made by artists belonging to Gujarat, Forest Department sources said. Kothagudem MLA J. Venkat Rao took keen interest in upgrading the facilities in the EEC.
The Forest Department has drawn up a plan to develop the facility into a major environmental education hub, sources added.
One of the striking features of the added attractions is the facility to hear the chirping of as many as 20 different species of birds including peacock, the national bird, Indian Roller (Pala Pitta) and the Indian Grey Hornbill.
The visitors can hear the chirping of each of the specified birds by pushing the buttons placed under the wall-mounted photo frames of the birds.
The newly added exhibits at the refurbished EEC will offer a vivid glimpse of the wildlife of the Kinnerasani sanctuary and foster environmental awareness, said V. Rambabu, District Forest Officer, Bhadradri-Kothagudem. It will be formally opened for visitors very soon.