Environmentalists flag concerns over tourism proposals in Bapatla

the reserve forest area is breeding ground for Olive Ridley turtles and many species of migratory birds

Environmentalists in this coastal town are up in arms against a proposal by the local public representatives to alienate certain areas under Muttayapalem reserve forest area for development activities, including tourism, near the Suryalanka beach, stating that such activities are harmful to the coastal environment.

They contend that the reserve forest area is breeding ground for Olive Ridley turtles and many species of migratory birds in particular, and all the roads proposed from Adarsha Nagar pass through the Muttayapalem reserve forest area.

Deputy Speaker Kona Raghupati claims that the coastal region’s tremendous potential has been untapped so far, and this proposal to develop 4,000 acres part of Muttayapalem reserve forest area will give a big fillip to tourism and trigger massive development of the region. Of the 9,000 acres under reserve forest, 1,100 acres have been allotted to Air Force Station.