Surekha announces plans for eco-tourism development

Minister for Environment, Forest, and Endowments Konda Surekha announced that the Narsapur Urban Forest Park in Medak district would be developed as an eco-tourism destination. During her field visit on Saturday, the Minister toured the park, accompanied by District Collector Rahul Raj, DFO Joji, Medak Library Chairman Chilumula Suhasini Reddy, Narsapur RDO Mahipal Reddy, Tahsildar Srinivasulu, and other officials and public representatives.  
The Minister and officials planted saplings and explored the forest exhibition, where they reviewed park-related details with the District Forest Officer. From the watchtower, the Minister admired the natural beauty of the forest and emphasised the government’s commitment to making the park a major tourist attraction while increasing its revenue.  
Minister Surekha directed officials to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the park’s development. She highlighted the rich history of Narsapur’s forest, which has been a significant natural asset since the Nizam era. The park spans 600 acres within Medak district’s 4,300-acre forest area. She announced plans for improved facilities, including guest houses, tourist cottages, reception centers, kitchens, and storage.  
Infrastructure upgrades include check dams, a rock-filled dam, a 50-kilometer pipeline, and additional amenities for trekking and cycling. The minister detailed plans for a 685-meter trekking trail, a 700-meter cycling track, and a 50,000-liter water sump. The park will also become plastic-free, with enhanced play areas for children and a new main gate plaza.  
The development strategy includes plantation projects, such as semi-mechanical planting across 10 acres, labour-intensive planting on 15 acres, and urban park plantation on 42 acres. Additional efforts include establishing youth-bearing plantations and improving production texture and finishing.  
The Minister shared that the park has generated Rs 1.53 crore in revenue to date, with Rs. 35 lakh allocated for development and Rs. 18 lakh remaining as surplus. Over 1.12 lakh tourists have visited the park so far, and cottage construction is expected to boost this number
further.  
She emphasised the vision of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to develop every forest area into an eco-tourism hub. “Just like Hyderabad’s Botanical Gardens, Narsapur Urban Forest Park will be transformed into a model eco-tourism destination. The park’s natural beauty, rich vegetation, birds, and wildlife will captivate visitors while providing a healthy and serene environment,” she said.  
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