TIRUPATI: In a bid to develop scientific, spiritual and biodiversity visits to the holy Theethams (water bodies) nestled in the Seshachalam biosphere reserve, the Forest Department would launch a Dasa Theertha Mala Darshan programme.
This would facilitate visits to ten identified divine theerthams in the Seshachalam ranges, located in and around Tirumala. These theerthas are the Sesha theertham, Chakra theertham, Thumburu theertham, Ramakrishna theertham, Yudhagala theertham, Kumaradhara, Pasupudhara, Namala Gavi or Ghanta Mandapam, Punarjanma vimochana or Jabali theertham and Gundalakona or Talakona.
Acting on the directions of forest minister Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy, chief conservator of forests (CCF) Nageswara Rao recently held a meeting with officials to review the Detailed Project Report (DPR) on the Dasa Theertha Mala Darshan initiative.
He met a few nature lovers and spiritual enthusiasts and learned about the significance of the ten theerthams and their trekking experiences there.
“The DPR on the ‘Dasa Theertha Mala Darshan’ will be finalised within a month. The initiative is aimed at developing scientific, spiritual and biodiversity visits to the ten theerthams on every full moon day (Pournami, an auspicious day for Hindus). The DPR would be sent to the government for approvals and the project will be launched by the end of this year”, the CCF Rao said at the meeting.
The novel initiative facilitates visits and darshan of the divine water bodies on specific dates, while also helps check illegal entry into the sensitive forest areas and make the trekking routes safe for the visitors. The forest department aims to develop trekking routes to the inaccessible theerthams.
“There is a demand for nature-based and spiritual visits from local trekkers and domestic tourists. We hope to give a boost to eco-tourism and promote responsible trekking through the Seshachalam forests,” forest officials said.
