AP plans biodiversity parks in Mangalagiri, Tirupati; Kadapa facility set for Sept launch

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh State Biodiversity Board (APSBB) has proposed new biodiversity parks in Mangalagiri and Tirupati while announcing that the first phase of the Kadapa Biodiversity Park is nearing completion and is expected to be inaugurated in Sep.The decisions were taken at the board meeting of the APSBB held in Vijayawada on Wednesday. Officials from environment, forest, municipal administration, agriculture, panchayat raj, tribal welfare and animal husbandry departments participated in the meeting. The board also approved a pilot initiative to develop micro-forests at busy urban junctions and establish mini biodiversity parks within existing Nagara Vanams to improve urban green cover.In a move aimed at strengthening conservation efforts, the APSBB decided to seek government approval for the formation of a Section 8 company to mobilise corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds for biodiversity projects across the state. The board said studies on Eastern Ghats flora diversity and coastal marine biodiversity are continuing in collaboration with scientific institutions. Biodiversity index reports for Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and Kadapa are also nearing completion. Officials said the board is expanding biodiversity conservation activities through community participation, including training programmes at the mandal level and awareness initiatives for students.