Ban on entry to Nallamala tourist spots for three months to give privacy to tigers

HYDERABAD: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has issued orders suspending entry of people to all tourist spots in the Nallamala forest area from July 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023. The ban on the entry of humans for the next three months is being enforced in view of the mating season for tigers. Tourists will not be allowed into tiger reserves falling under the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve range.

The Nallamala forests, which are part of the Eastern Ghats, is one of the largest undisturbed stretches of forest in South India. These forests are spread across Kurnool, Guntur, Kadapa, Mahabubnagar and Prakasam districts of both the Telugu states. The dense forest is home to many famous temples too including the Srisailam Temple.

During the mating season, devotees are advised to not enter the forest after sunset due to movement of tigers. Devotees have been advised to walk through the forest only during daytime and in groups.

While devotees will be allowed to visit the Srisailam Temple, there is a ban on entry to Ista Kameswari Temple and Nekkanti Jungle Ride for the next three months.

Vignesh Appavu, Forest Deputy Director, Markapur, warned that anyone who violated the rules and entered the forest illegally would be punished severely as per rules under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Andhra Pradesh Forest Act, 1967 and Biological Diversity Act, 2002.