Butterflies, fruit bats and sparrows flying around trees at 3, Motilal Nehru Marg have been behind Special Protection Group cover ever since former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh moved into ex-Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit’s residence.
One of Ms. Dikshit’s pet projects at the house was a nature trail, complete with a butterfly park, treehouse and signage taking visitors on a tour of the fauna and flora. Groups of school children would visit the nature trail every week, when it was first launched in 2006 till early this year.
After Dr. Singh and his wife, Gursharan Kaur, shifted into the 3.5-acre premises in May, the nature trail that goes around the bungalow was closed to the public.
“With the former Prime Minister living at the house, a lot of protocol kicked in and the nature trail was closed,” Environment Department senior scientific officer Dr. B.C. Sabata.
Over the years, the nature trail saw many additions and improvements. “We added a shrubland, a grassland to attract sparrows and a butterfly conservatory. There are a large number of fruit bats as well,” said Prof. C.R. Babu of Delhi University’s School of Environmental Studies.
Nature lover Aarti Verma, who has worked with WWF-India and currently works for Sanctuary magazine, fondly remembers the tours she conducted for children twice a week. The trail began with a visit to the interpretation centre, where children saw panels and short films with information on the types of plants. They then climbed the treehouse, and for the lucky ones even got a photo clicked with the then Chief Minister.
“The children were excited to be in Sheila Dikshit’s house. She would stop by before heading out to work and interact with the children and take photos,” said Ms. Verma.
She added that the bats were the biggest attraction for the students. “They couldn’t believe that people were taking care of creatures they thought were scary. They learnt from experience and went back home with a different view,” said Ms. Verma.
While the SPG may now rule the roost, Prof. Babu said it may turn out to be better for the bio-diversity. “When the trail was open, there was a lot of management, like pruning, and noise. Now, I suspect the trees will grow naturally and more birds will flock to the place,” said Prof. Babu.
“Besides,” he added, “the former PM is also a nature lover. He won’t change the landscape.”
