The Godavari River, the second longest in India and the longest in peninsular (south) India, is the cultural, religious and ecological epicenter of the state of Andhra Pradesh. The river traverses a distance of around 800 km from west to east in the state, and has long been the cradle of Telugu culture and civilization, with many religious centers of importance located along its banks. The river supports several important natural habitats, such as moist deciduous forests, mixed forests, wetlands, mountain ecosystems and mangroves. Several indigenous communities, such as the ancient Gonds, Kolams, Nayakpods, Konda Reddy's, live in hamlets close to the river.
A bicycle expedition is being organized along the Godavari river valley, from Kandakurthi in Nizamabad district, where the Godavari river enters Andhra Pradesh, to Yanam/Antarvedi in East Godavari, where the river flows into the Bay of Bengal, a distance of 800 km. The expedition is being organized with support from the National Geographic Society (NGS), Expeditions Council. The expedition team consists of four cyclists. The expedition will follow the course of the Godavari river in the districts of Nizamabad, Adilabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam, East Godavari and West Godavari. It will pass through 9 wildlife sanctuaries in four districts, will cut across the major tributaries of the Godavari such as the Pranahita, Indravati and the Sabari and will traverse tribal homelands in the Eastern Ghats.
The aim of this expedition is to narrate the story of the Godavari, to generate information on the ecological and human services performed by the river, its biodiversity and anthropological wealth in order to create public interest and to highlight the various challenges facing the river. The objective of this expedition is to document the ecological services performed by the river, its socio-economic significance to the communities subsisting on it, and the various challenges confronting it. We wish to interact with tribal communities, government staff and other important stakeholders and try to understand their perspectives on conserving the river. The expedition will be conducted primarily on bicycle, foot and occasionally by boat and will not disturb the ecology. A comprehensive report, a photo journal and an amateur documentary will be produced after the completion of the expedition.
We request your kind support in helping us organize the expedition. Your assistance will be most appreciated.
