HDPT advocates UNESCO World Heritage recognition for Nallamala Sanctuary

Andhra Pradesh State Hindu Dharma Parirakshana Trust (HDPT) has proposed collective efforts to achieve World Heritage Site status to ‘Nallamala Sanctuary – River Gundlakamma’ from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its outstanding natural and cultural significance.

HDPT Chairman Dasari Srinivasulu is presently on a nine-day awareness tour (Padayatra), which commenced on October 11, along the banks of River Gundlakamma to protect the water-body for the future generations and preserve its rich heritage. He identified several ancient temples and historic sites, including Chandavaram Buddhist Stupa, that needs immediate attention.

“Similar to Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim, which was recognised by the UNESCO as India’s first ‘Mixed’ World Heritage Site, the ‘Nallamala Sanctuary – River Gundlakamma’ also deserves the same status for a dual category of nature and culture. It would offer a vital safeguard for an ancient ecosystem facing increasing environmental pressures,” Mr. Srinivasulu told The Hindu.

“While India boasts numerous natural World Heritage sites in the Himalayas and the Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats remain critically under-represented. Despite its tremendous ecological value, they remain largely missing on global conservation maps too. World Heritage Site status for Nallamala Sanctuary will safeguard its biodiversity and indigenous heritage,” he added.

Soon after his padayatra, the HDPT chief is planning to write letters to the State government as well as the Union Ministry of Culture urging them to seek World Heritage Site status for this cultural and natural landmark in the Eastern Ghats. Till now, not even a single site in Andhra Pradesh was officially recognised by the UNESCO.