Andhra Pradesh: Three projects worth Rs 7 crore at Pulicat, Nelapattu soon

TIRUPATI: The Forest Department is going to take up three major projects worth Rs 7.4 crore at Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary and Pulicat Lake to develop tourism, spread ecotourism concept widely, research activity both by the forest department and educational institutions along with modern accommodation.
Wild Life Management Tirupati Circle Head and Additional Chief Conservator of Forest BK Singh has given administrative sanction for all the three projects and one among them has already got technical sanction from the SE of Vijayawada Forest Headquarters.

According to highly placed sources, the department is going to construct an interpretation cell, dormitory and restaurant on the bank of Pulicat Lake. The total project cost is `1.7 crore. For this, the DFO, Nelapattu, has received administrative sanction and will soon invite tenders.

Boost to tourism  
As part of another major project, constructions worth `4.5 crore will be taken up soon at EV Palem and Iragam villages. Under this project, facilities will be created for tourism, ecotourism  and also several others. An open amphitheatre, restaurant, jetty, speed boat, research lab, affordable accommodation, tiny museum, environment education centre and a conference hall have been included in the project.
According to the forest officials, the new facility is not only for research or department purposes or for students alone, but it is meant for the general public who can visit, stay, play and avail boating.

Atakani Thippa tank to be deepened
A 2.5 acre Atakani Thippa tank, which is part of Pulicat Lake is something different as it provides shelter to migratory and exotic birds. This is a natural safeguard for the birds during hatching period. The 2.5 acre tank will be deepened. The `1.2 crore project will also have a restaurant, research laboratory, besides improvement of existing facilities. The proposal has also received administrative sanction and tenders will be called soon.