A first-of-its-kind Eastern Ghats Nature Interpretation Centre in Visakhapatnam

A unique blend of Nature and art welcomes visitors at the first-of-its-kind Nature Interpretation Centre located at the Eastern Ghats Biodiversity Centre in Visakhapatnam

A floor to ceiling map introduces visitors to the landscape of the Eastern Ghats, parallel to the eastern coast of India, stretching from Odisha to Tamil Nadu. A door ahead leads to a sun-lit room with a window facing the mountains, featuring water-colour sketches of iconic species of plants found in the region, including several that are found only within the Eastern Ghats. A few of these are severely threatened with extinction.

The new Nature Interpretation Centre, a separate section at the recently-inaugurated Eastern Ghats Biodiversity Centre near PM Palem, is an immersive experience of traversing through the diverse ecosystems of the region, that has long awaited a systematic documentation. Located along the periphery of the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary in Visakhapatnam, the centre is a first-of-its-kind art-led project of the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department.

The brainchild of Visakhapatnam Divisional Forest Officer Anant Shankar, each section offers visitors a multifaceted view highlighting the region’s natural wonders complemented by creative art displays.

A bilingual project in English and Telugu, the centre is an interesting collaboration among research, content and art, put together by a team consisting of Bengaluru-based wildlife artist Sangeetha Kadur and illustrators, sculptors, architects, wildlife biologists, translators and content creators from across India.

“This centre showcases the critical ecosystems of the Eastern Ghats and also shows the association of tribal communities with the forests. Divided into different sections in the ground and first floors, it throws light on marine, coastal and wetland ecosystems. The mangrove ecosystem replica is the highlight of the Nature Interpretation Centre,” says Anant Shankar.

Located in the first floor, the mangrove wall highlights the mangrove forest that stands like a wall of defense along the Andhra Pradesh coast protecting it from storms and cyclones. It also features creatures that inhabit them, including the elusive fishing cat. “We have recreated a scene from a mangrove forest and for realistic depiction, have brought roots from a mangrove forest. The wall also uses laser cuts for an extra dimension and an interesting visual perspective,” says Megha Moorty of RoundGlass Sustain, a social impact initiative that collaborated in the project.

The integration of art work and sculptures seamlessly blend into the surrounding landscape, inviting guests to contemplate the intricate relationship between art and Nature.