Sri Vijaya Puram, October 6: The Manipur Parvat National Park witnessed a significant boost to its ecotourism and visitor amenities today with the visit of Shri Dinesh Kannan, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), Andaman and Nicobar Islands. During his visit, Shri Kannan inaugurated a series of new facilities aimed at enhancing visitor experience and promoting awareness about the Islands’ rich biodiversity.
The day’s events began with the inauguration of a newly constructed Tourist Facilitation Counter, equipped with drinking water and toilet facilities, ensuring comfort and convenience for visitors exploring the national park.
This was followed by the inauguration of a nature-themed entry gate, beautifully designed to depict 15 endemic bird species of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, symbolizing the archipelago’s extraordinary avian diversity.
Shri Kannan also inaugurated a newly developed Orchidarium, which will serve as a centre for spreading awareness among tourists about the region’s exquisite orchid wealth and its ecological importance.
The highlight of the visit was the launch of the ANI Endemic Bird Interpretation Centre, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to provide visitors with an immersive experience of the Islands’ natural habitats. The centre recreates the ambience of walking through a tropical forest and features an innovative automated system for live bird identification through sound and light at the press of a button.
The interpretation centre showcases 32 endemic bird species, including the Narcondam Hornbill, Andaman Teal, and Nicobar Megapode, among others. Interactive displays and visually rich installations further enhance the educational and experiential value for visitors.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kannan lauded the efforts of the Forest Department staff in conceptualizing and executing these initiatives that blend conservation with eco-friendly tourism. He emphasized the importance of creating such facilities to foster public awareness and appreciation of the Islands’ unique biodiversity.
These initiatives mark another step forward in the department’s ongoing efforts to promote responsible tourism and environmental education in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.