SALESHWARAM Tribal JATHARA

importance

Saleshwaram jathara - since 30 years, termed as “Dakshina (Telangana) Amarnath Yathra. Every year for five days.
Saleshwaram waterfalls runs throughout the year from a height of 200ft.
Unique waterfall which reaches the lotus feet of the lord Shivalinga usually called “Lingamayya”, the adorable Lord of the “Chenchu” PTG.
On every Chaitra pouranmi i.e. the full moon day of March/April believed to attain the super natural powers and the wills of the devotees are fullfiled – message spread throughout the State – hence devotees come in large numbers chanting “Vastunna Lingamayya” .

problems

The jathara site located deep inside Core area.
On an average @ 5.00 Lakh devotees visit in 05 DAYS.
Involves travel by road on vehicles from Farhabad gate to about 16 Kms followed by trek of 3 Kms and climbing down the deep valley.
Movement of vehicles throughout the day and night.
Shops – eatable items / water.
Annadanam to the devotees.
Lighting through generator and sound pollution through loud speakers.
Liquor consumption /Dust pollution /Garbage / Shampoo and soap covers
Lighting of fire for cooking and other purposes.
Shopkeepers enter the Jathara site two days in advance to establish the shop and even stay for two days after jathara.
Some of the Devotees also visit two days in advance to avoid rush and even continue visit for two days after jathara.
Large deposits of shoes / chappals etc.,

IMPACT ON FOREST & WILDLIFE

INITIATIVES TAKEN

Restriction of Jathara from 05 days to 3 days
Meetings with District Administration, PO ITDA and others.
Preparatory meetings with the staff and the Protection watchers deputed for Jathara.
Letters to the local sarpanches requesting to make the people aware of Do's and Dont's.
Letter to the PO, ITDA for the precautionary measures to be taken for protection of forests and wildlife.
Distribution of pamplets to all visitors along with the Toll fee/entry tickets.
Shopkeepers not allowed to enter keeping strict vigil two days in advance. Outsiders not allowed to establish the shop.
Only Chenchus allowed to sell coconuts / water etc., and vacated on the end of jathara.
Entry of Devotees not allowed prior to jatara and also stopped entry after end of jathara.
Annadanam centers restricted to 05 charitable trusts.
Permission given to Annadanam charitable trusts collecting Security deposit of Rs 25000/-.
Annadanam - to use only reusable ceramic plates / paper cups / leaf plates/ avoid plastic material.
Coordination with District administration and Police Department.

Engaged (4) tractors for removing the garbage on regular basis making two trips a day. Transportation of garbage outside the R.F and disposal.
Engaged 40 volunteers – local chenchu youth to monitor and control garbage.
Provided with T-Shirts, mask, and remuneration @ Rs 400/- each per day from TCF.
Two volunteers stationed at every 2 Kms - provided with bags and sticks for collection of garbage by moving regularly in the area allotted.
(8) volunteers also placed in the valley / temple site to collect garbage and bring to the top.
Exhibition stalls (2) Nos – Farhabad and Rampur – importance of Forests and wildlife, causes of Forest destruction, distribution of plants DOs and Don’ts etc.,
Checking of vehicles for plastic bags, liquor, knives etc.,
Publicity - Flexies / banners are displayed at every 5 km informing Dos and Don’ts.
The drinking water facility is provided by RWS Department at every 5 km using tankers all along the road and at the trekking path.
Dustbins (20) Nos supplied by PO, ITDA - kept for every 2 km on the road from Farahabad gate to Saleshwaram.

charges & revenue

toll fee charges

Two wheelers – Rs.40/-

Three wheelers – Rs.100/-

Four wheelers – Rs.200/-

Tractor/Lorry/DCM- Rs.300/-

TSRTC Bus – Rs.400/-

revenue collected

2017-18 – Rs.14, 13,710

2016-17 – Rs. 7,45, 330

number of vehicles

The revenue collected is deposited in the Tiger Conservation Foundation Fund.

LETTERS ISSUED TO PO ITDA

LETTERS ISSUED TO ALL SARPANCHES

Do's & Don'ts for Visitors

Regulating visitor's entry

Volunteers

SIGNAGES- DOs AND DON’Ts

Collection of Garbage- Regular Tractor Movement

Regular Garbage collection

Dustbin Along the Route

Regular Garbage Collection

Exhibition Stall of Forest Department

Disposal of Garbage

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Result of the initiatives

Reduction - Wildlife habitat damage.
Control on use of plastics.
Control on establishment of shops in large numbers by outsiders.
Prevention of garbage/ Litter deposits and removal outside every day.
Regulating the visitors / shop keepers by avoiding entry in advance and after jathara.
Control on use and deposit of chips / kurkure / shampoo / soap covers at the temple / water fall site.
Increase in Revenue.
Back to safe and normal situation – immediately one day after jathara.

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