International Tiger Day: Andhra Pradesh Govt mulls developing corridor linking NSTR to Seshachalam

TIRUPATI: Andhra Pradesh Minister for Environment, Forest, Science and Technology Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy has said that the tiger population in the State has witnessed a significant rise and steps are being taken to develop a corridor connecting the Seshachalam and Nallamala forests.

Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy participated as the chief guest in the International Tiger Day celebrations organised at SV Zoological Park in Tirupati on Saturday, and unveiled a book on Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) and a poster. The minister said that Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had suggested expanding the country’s largest Tiger Reserve NSTR Zone by 5 lakh acres from the existing 8 lakh acres with the aim of conserving the big cat population.

“Global Tiger day is observed every year on July 29 to raise public awareness and support tiger conservation issues and promote the protection of the natural habitat of tigers. There were about 45 tigers in Andhra Pradesh during 2010, which has been doubled to more than 80 by 2023. The rise in big cat populations will also allay fears among those plundering the forest wealth,” Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy said. He said that almost 12 years ago, when he served as the Forest Minister, a small lab was established in Srisailam to count tigers on the basis of fingerprints, but now there were cameras like still, video and drones to count them scientifically.

Currently, there were no big cats in the Seshachalam forest. However, the records claimed that Britishers had hunted the tigers near Mamanuduru Guest House. By establishing a corridor connecting Nallamala and Seshachalam forests, the big cats in Nallamala would be able to enter Seschalam, and it would contribute to the conservation of the forest apart from providing shelter for cheetahs and big cats. “The expansion of NSTR will gain prominence in the coming years for its efforts to be taken for the conservation of big cats and wild animals,” the minister said. He also asked the people to join hands with the forest department for conservation of wild animals in the State.

Later, the minister flagged off the battery-operated scooters for the convenience of the tourists at SV Zoological Park. He also gave away appreciation certificates to the students and forest officials who participated in various competitions relating to conservation of forests.