The Karijuttalu Hills in the forests of Telangana’s Mulji district will soon become an eco-tourism hub, senior officials said on Tuesday. The area borders Chhattisgarh and was until recently a stronghold of the Communist Party of India (Maoist).
State Director General of Police P Shivadhar Reddy, who visited the area along with other senior officials to oversee the ongoing developmental projects, inaugurated the site of the planned police station and intelligence coordination center near the CRPF base camp in Bamunur forest in Venkatapuram mandal. The group also inspected the 15-km road laid from Bamunur to Karijuttalu hill area by the Central paramilitary forces and road construction projects from Murmuru to Tadapala Base Camp.
Speaking to reporters later, Shivadhar Reddy said the construction of roads in Karijuttalu was a “positive development” and stressed that infrastructure was essential for progress in the region. He added, “Development in the region has been stalled for years due to Maoist activity and other reasons.”
State Chief Conservator of Forests Dr C Suvarna said roads were constructed in the forest area without violating forest laws and pointed out that Karijuttalu has great potential for eco-tourism.
Earlier, the forest department was unable to expand eco-tourism activities beyond Tadvai, but now conditions are favourable, she said. “The state government also plans to develop waterfalls and other natural attractions in the agency’s areas in Mulugu district as part of a broader eco-tourism strategy,” she said.
The Telangana government has also decided to focus on developing the Gotikoya tribal settlements in the Karijuttalu forests, Suvarna said.
Under the community outreach programme, forest and police officials held discussions on measures for the welfare and upgrading of Goticoya dwellings. “Improving basic infrastructure, accessibility and livelihood opportunities will be crucial to creating long-term change in the region,” Suvarna said.
Armed police personnel, central paramilitary forces and drone surveillance formed part of the security detail for the official visit.
