Visakhapatnam: Kambalakonda eco-tourism park is now in news for a wrong reason: the management is denying entry to singles. “You have to come with a girl friend or with other friends. We cannot allow a single person,” is the reply the security guards are giving to the visitors, wanting to go alone into the park.
The purpose of ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people and involves interpretation and education about forest and wildlife. However, it has turned out to be lovers park. The reasoning of the staff behind not allowing single persons is if one goes alone, there is a chance of committing suicide or drowning in the pond. People loving wildlife, nature and many others, who are being sent back by the park staff, have expressed resentment over the stance of the forest department.
“I went there a few days back to get some nice pictures of the park. However, the staff at the ticket counter denied to give me a ticket. They told me to come with a girlfriend or other friends. The park is like serving to love birds deviating from its core agenda. Why cannot nature lovers go to the park alone? It is ridiculous,” said Srichakra Pranav, a wildlife enthusiast. During a reality check, it was found true by this reporter.There was also a plan to install CCTV cameras in the park but to no avail. When asked, assistant chief conservator of forest Prateep Kumar said he would look into the matter.
Delay in release of World Bank funds:
Even as the park is situated in the heart of the city, it has been left neglected. Facilities like boat ride and river crossing have remained closed. The park is yet to get funds from the World Bank. About Rs 12 crore ($2million) has been allotted for restoration of damaged amenities and development of Kambalakonda under the AP Disaster Recovery Project. “We have submitted proposals regarding the zoo and the eco-tourism park. We have received 23 Expressions of Interest for developing the zoo,” said Prateep Kumar.
