VMRDA plans integrated eco-circuit in Visakhapatnam

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) is planning to develop an integrated wildlife, aquatic life and eco-recreation destination by linking Kailasagiri hill, the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary and the surrounding aquatic zones into a single tourism circuit.

The initiative is aimed at habitat conservation, ecosystem restoration and improving biodiversity awareness, while offering education-based recreational experiences for tourists, students and local communities.

At a recent Authority meeting, officials approved the preparation of a concept development plan for the project and decided to appoint a consultant.

Currently, these nature hubs operate independently. VMRDA intends to integrate them under a common vision and planning framework, with a unified visitor experience and sustainable mobility systems connecting the locations.

VMRDA Chairperson M.V. Pranav Gopal said the Authority was responsible for planned regional development. “Visakhapatnam has a unique ecological wealth of hills, sanctuaries, parks and aquatic zones. There is a need to develop these assets into a holistic eco-recreation destination,” he said.

He added that the consultant would prepare the concept plan, defining the vision, goals and integrated strategies for development.

Officials said the plan would include a precedent study of national and international attractions to guide design, operations and visitor engagement. “The objective is to enhance visitor experience while balancing habitat creation, enclosure design, sustainability and protection of environmentally sensitive zones,” Mr. Pranav Gopal said.

The project will also focus on animal infrastructure, species selection, habitat development and flora and fauna planning, with the aim of developing the entire area as one integrated eco-destination.