Luxettipet forest trail manager A Subhash said a 20-kilometre trail has been developed to introduce jungle safari service in the forests. He said one could see spotted deer, Indian gaur and many other herbivores.

Mancherial: The first cyclothon organized by the forest department in the forests of Luxettipet range received a good response from nature lovers and cyclists, in the Old Mancherial stretch of an abandoned quarry near Gadpur village in Hajipur mandal on Sunday.

Luxettipet Forest Range Officer A Subhash, who reported the incident, said the cyclothon was carried out in the forests of the Old Mancherial section to promote ecotourism, sustainable living and cycling. He said a 20-kilometre track had been developed to introduce a jungle safari service. He said one could see spotted deer, Indian gaur and many other herbivores.

The FRO further said that a host of facilities such as watchtower, machans and ticket counter would soon be created for the convenience of tourists. He informed that the safari service would be introduced soon at affordable prices. He added that they plan to collaborate with voluntary organizations if necessary, in addition to ensuring the livelihood of residents.

Vamshi, a cyclist from Somagudam Kasipet mandal said he was delighted to have participated in the first ever cyclothon in the Mancherial forest division. He said the forests offer serenity and cycling through the landscape was a memorable experience. Many participants expressed similar views and thanked the forest department for hosting the event.

Mancherial ACP R Prakash, lyricist A Chandramouli and others were present.