Tirupati Nagaravanam at Crossroad of Conservation, Commercialisation
Amid these concerns is the Forest department’s proposal to construct a canteen – a plan that involves cutting of trees – within the forest premises.
Tirupati: Nagaravanam, virtually the city forest in the heart of Tirupati, is becoming the focal point of a debate, whether it must be conserved or should there be a push in favour of eco-tourism.
Known for its rich biodiversity and tranquil ambiance, Nagaravanam has long served as both a sanctuary for wildlife and a peaceful retreat for locals. However, recent initiatives by the Forest department have sparked concerns about Nagaravanam’s future.
In a bid to attract more visitors, authorities have introduced various recreational activities, including gun shooting, archery, kids train, trampoline and waterball competitions. Officials argue that these activities are part of a broader eco-tourism strategy, aimed at fostering public engagement with nature.
“Our goal is to strike a balance between preservation and public participation,” said a senior forest official. “When people experience nature first-hand — whether through adventure sports or guided tours — they develop a sense of responsibility toward the environment. We want Nagaravanam to be more than just a silent forest; it should be an interactive space where people learn to coexist with nature,” the official underlined.
This approach, however, has drawn sharp criticism from environmentalists and conservation advocates. They argue that such activities risk disturbing the forest’s delicate ecosystem. They point out that loud events and large gatherings could drive away birds and other wildlife that rely on Nagaravanam’s undisturbed habitat.
“Eco-tourism should complement conservation, not undermine it,” said Karthik, a Tirupati-based birdwatcher. “There are ways to engage people without compromising the forest’s balance. Nature walks, birdwatching tours and educational programmes can raise awareness without disrupting wildlife. The forest’s primary purpose should always be protection,” he observed.
Amid these concerns is the Forest department’s proposal to construct a canteen – a plan that involves cutting of trees – within the forest premises.
Environmentalists fear this move could set a dangerous precedent, paving the way for more infrastructure projects that might permanently alter the landscape.
“Building permanent structures within a forest risks long-term damage,” said A. Kiran Reddy, a nature enthusiast from Nellore, who often visits Nagaravanam during his trips to Tirupati. “Even a small-scale construction can affect ecosystems in ways that are difficult to reverse. Once you start commercialising a forest, it becomes harder to draw the line,” he remarked.
Despite the pushback, forest officials believe that carefully managed eco-tourism can generate funds for conservation and support local communities. They believe that fostering public involvement is essential for long-term environmental stewardship.
However, conservationists stress that protecting Nagaravanam’s biodiversity must remain the top priority, warning that unchecked commercial activities could erode the very essence of the forest.
