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New Indian Express
23-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Forest department prepares plan for new urban forest in Tiruchy
TIRUCHY: As part of the project to develop an urban forest spanning about 50 acres near the Butterfly Park, the forest department in Tiruchy is preparing a detailed project report (DPR), detailing fund requirements for further phases of work, for submission to the Union government. Commencing work on the urban forest early this month with the initial allocation of Rs 2 crore by the Union government, the forest department has fenced the site and is now undertaking cleaning operations there. The project under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change's 'Nagar Van Yojana' involves large-scale tree plantation so as to create green spaces in the city and improve its air quality. While offering financial support for both the development and maintenance of such green spaces, the initiative also promotes community involvement. According to a senior forest department official, the DPR that is being prepared will include a comprehensive outline of the project's scope, objectives, design, and implementation strategy. It will also cover land assessment, water and soil analysis, selection of tree species, and a layout plan for planting, the official added. District Forest Officer (DFO) S Krithiga told TNIE that fencing has already been installed around the site and added that initial cleaning operations are under way. "After enclosing the area with fencing, we commenced the clearance of thorny vegetation. We plan to plant species that are well-suited for local conditions and that enhance biodiversity, including fruit-bearing and medicinal plants to attract birds and butterflies. The project will be carried out with the support of like-minded individuals who are passionate about creating a greener city," she said.


Time of India
20-05-2025
- Time of India
Trichy's Butterfly Park gets Rs 1 crore makeover after a decade
Trichy: The Butterfly Park near Srirangam, officially known as the Tropical Butterfly Conservatory , has undergone a major facelift after nearly a decade of neglect. The forest department has renovated the park at a cost of ₹1 crore, aiming to restore its visual appeal and revive tourist interest. "Infrastructure had been left unattended for over nine years. A proposal was made, and ₹1 crore was sanctioned. Renovation work began in Dec, 2024, and is now complete," said district forest officer (DFO) S Krithiga. First announced in 2012 and inaugurated in Novr 2015, the park spans 25 acres in the Upper Anaicut Reserve Forest near Melur. Built at an initial cost of ₹8 crore, it quickly became a key tourist attraction in Trichy, known for housing over a hundred butterfly species in its natural habitat. Over the years, however, the park fell into disrepair, worsened by the impact of Cyclone Gaja in 2018. Damaged infrastructure, faded facilities, and general wear and tear led to a drop in visitor enthusiasm. Recognising the need for restoration, the forest department began a comprehensive upgrade late last year. The entrance arch and damaged pavements have been refurbished, and interactive information boards have been installed to enhance the visitor experience. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Key features such as the amphitheatre, indoor conservatory, breeding lab, and restrooms have also been renovated. "We are introducing new host and nectar plants to support butterfly breeding. New play equipment has been added to the children's park, and additional recreational activities are being planned to attract more visitors," said Krithiga. The park includes attractions like Nakshatravanam, Raasi Vanam, Caterpillar Walk, an Eco Shop, and a resource garden—offering both educational and recreational experiences for families and tourists alike.


Time of India
20-05-2025
- Time of India
Renovated butterfly park has more to offer now
Trichy: Trichy's butterfly park near Srirangam, one of the most important tourist attractions in the city, has been renovated by the forest department at Rs1 crore after nearly ten years. Officially known as Tropical Butterfly Conservatory , the park had lost its visual appeal in recent years. "After its inauguration, the park lacked maintenance for over nine years. A proposal was made, and Rs1 crore allocated. We have repaired the damaged infrastructure, renovated the features and painted the entire park since December," district forest officer S Krithiga told TOI. The entrance arch has been renovated and modified, and the damaged pavements have been changed. Interactive information boards have been installed, and features like amphitheatre, indoor conservatory, breeding lab and restrooms renovated. "We are introducing new batches of host plants for breeding and nectar plants for food sources at the host plant area. New play items have been set up in the children's park. We are also adding new recreational activities to attract more visitors," Krithiga added. The Rs8 crore park was set up on 25 acres at Melur near Srirangam in the Upper Anaicut reserve forest area in Nov 2015. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The conservatory is considered a breeding habitat for more than a hundred species and several thousand butterflies, with features like nakshatravanam, breeding lab, resource garden and host plant area. The park also has attractions such as raasi vanam, amphitheatre, caterpillar walk, island, children's park, and eco shop for recreation. Some of the facilities at the conservatory suffered damaged during the Gaja Cyclone in 2018. With the 'wear and tear' putting off visitors, officials realised the need for renovation, rejuvenation and maintenance of the park last year. The work which commenced around December recently got over.