Vizag’s biodiversity centre unable to pay employees

Visakhapatnam: The Eastern Ghats Biodiversity Centre, spanning 30 acres within the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, has evolved from a small nursery to an educational hub for biodiversity conservation.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan recently sanctioned ₹1.4 crore from the central funds for urban forests to develop the biodiversity centre site. However, these funds are being redirected to develop the Kambalakonda Eco-Park, an extension of the biodiversity centre.

Dr. Shanti Priya Pandey, additional director of central forest wildlife (ADDC PCF Wildlife), told Deccan Chronicle, “These funds are being used for the development of Kambalakonda Eco-Park. By January, we will develop an open gym, yoga centre, and trekking tracks in the eco-park and send details to the central government. The remaining grant of ₹60 lakh will be used for further development activities.”

During district forest officer Ananth Shankar's tenure, a comprehensive development plan costing ₹200 crore had been proposed for the Eastern Ghats Biodiversity Centre. This plan included development of a Bambusetum (bamboo grove), creation of an Oushadhavanam (medicinal plant garden), establishment of a cactus garden, development of a herbal garden, creation of a flower garden, construction of an amphitheatre, formation of open trekking paths, installation of solar panels and water pumps, procurement of dustbins, benches and furniture, establishment of a pagoda, installation of publicity boards, hoardings and signages, creation of public amenities such as drinking water facilities and toilets, beautification efforts through landscaping, including sprinklers and lighting, and renovation of the archway and parking facilities, as well as the entry gate and buildings.

However, the diversion of funds to Kambalakonda Eco-Park has delayed these ambitious projects. Furthermore, the Eastern Ghats Biodiversity Centre is struggling to pay its employees.

A worker of the centre, who chose to be anonymous, told Deccan Chronicle, "We have not received payment for the past two months. Authorities have indicated that our payments will come from the revenue generated by visitors. But unless the Eastern Ghats Biodiversity Centre is developed further, we are unlikely to see an increase in footfalls. Given this situation, our livelihood has become difficult."