Wildlife & Eco-Tourism of Telangana | Telangana State PSC (TSPSC): Preparation Course - TSPSC (Telangana) PDF Download

Introduction

• Telangana, situated in the southern part of India, spans an area of 112,077 square kilometers, following the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization (Amendment) Act of 2014, which initially measured 114,840 square kilometers according to Act No. 6 of 2014. It ranks as the twelfth largest state in both area and population within the country. 
• Historically, much of its territory was under the rule of the Nizam of Hyderabad during the British colonial period, and it became part of the Indian Union in 1948. Following the linguistic reorganization of states in 1956, the Telugu-speaking region of Hyderabad state was amalgamated with the former Andhra State to create Andhra Pradesh. However, on June 2, 2014, Telangana was carved out of Andhra Pradesh as India's 29th state, with Hyderabad serving as its capital.
• Telangana shares borders with Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh to the north, Karnataka to the west, and Andhra Pradesh to the south, east, and northeast. Its principal cities include Hyderabad, Warangal, Mahabubnagar, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, and Khammam. Geographically, the state is strategically positioned within the Deccan plateau, characterized by a semi-arid climate with predominantly hot and dry conditions.

Wild Life and Ecotourism of Telangana

• Telangana boasts abundant forests and wildlife sanctuaries, offering opportunities for eco-tourism and wildlife tourism. Notable destinations include the Alisagar Deer Park in Nizamabad, the Eturunagaram Sanctuary and Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary in Warangal, the Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, Jannaram, Pranahitha Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sivaram Wildlife Sanctuary in Adilabad. 
• Additionally, there's the Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park, Vanasthalipuram, and Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad, the Manjira Bird Sanctuary in Sangareddy, and the Pocharam Sanctuary in Medak. Rangareddy is home to the Shamirpet Deer Park, enhancing the diverse offerings of wildlife and ecotourism in Telangana.

Tourism

• Definition of Tourism: Tourism today is a well-organized industry that has gained increasing significance. It involves individuals with higher disposable incomes and a greater willingness to spend, traveling to cities and countries for various purposes. A visitor is now defined as a traveler who journeys to a primary destination outside their usual environment for less than a year, for purposes such as business, leisure, or other personal reasons, excluding employment by a resident entity in the visited place.
• Distinguishing Visitors and Travelers: A visitor, whether domestic, inbound, or outbound, is classified as a tourist (or overnight visitor) if their trip involves an overnight stay. Otherwise, they are considered a same-day visitor (or excursionist). On the other hand, a traveler is someone moving between different geographic locations for any purpose and duration.
• Tourism vs. Travel: While a visitor is a specific type of traveler, tourism encompasses all activities of visitors, including both tourists (overnight visitors) and same-day visitors.

Cultural Fusion in Telangana

• Cultural Blend: Telangana's culture is a unique amalgamation of customs from Persian traditions dating back to the eras of the Moghuls, Qutub Shahis, and Nizams, intertwined with predominant South Indian traditions. The state boasts a rich heritage in classical music, painting, and folk arts like Burrakatha, shadow puppet shows, Perini Shiva Tandavam, Gusadi Dance, and Kolatam.
• Tourist Attractions: Telangana offers a plethora of tourist attractions, including historical sites, monuments, forts, waterfalls, forests, and temples. Each year, numerous tourists, both local and foreign, visit these attractions, carrying back with them experiences and memories of India's diverse heritage.

Rural Tourism

• Telangana offers significant potential for Rural Tourism, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of diverse colors, cultures, and traditions. 
• Handicrafts embody some of the oldest cultural traditions, and Telangana boasts abundant sources of exquisite handicrafts.

Heritage Tourism

• Telangana, steeped in history, is adorned with numerous forts that hold immense promise for becoming iconic heritage tourism destinations. Several renowned forts, such as Golconda Fort, Medak Fort, Khammam Fort, Nizamabad Fort, Elagandula Fort, Karimnagar, Bhongir Fort, Nalgonda, and Warangal Fort, present opportunities for the development of tourist infrastructure. 
• Sound and Light shows at forts like Warangal Fort and Golconda Fort offer immersive glimpses into the region's glorious past. Expanding such shows can further illuminate Telangana's rich heritage.

Key Sectoral Issues and Concerns

Key sectoral issues and concerns in Telangana encompass various challenges and considerations across different sectors that warrant attention and resolution for sustainable development.

Major Threats to Restricted-Range Species

• Habitat loss and degradation due to logging for firewood and timber materials severely impact species with limited ranges.
• Poaching, hunting, and unsustainable exploitation pose significant threats to both plant and animal life.
• The use of high carbon-intensive fuels in tourism activities leads to elevated Carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to pollution in popular tourist destinations like Warangal and Hyderabad.

Interventions and Strategies

• Promotion of low-emission and fuel-efficient mass transportation within tourist areas, such as operating battery-operated vans around iconic sites like the Taj Mahal.
• Advocacy for energy-efficient lighting and climate control systems in hotels and tourist congregating areas to reduce energy consumption.
• Encouraging eco-tourism initiatives to foster environmental awareness among visitors.
• Implementation of cleanliness protocols in tourist spots to maintain environmental hygiene.
• Protection of both man-made and natural heritage from climate-related threats like high temperatures, water damage, and pest infestations.