Country’s first biodiversity heritage site, the Nallur Tamarind Grove, has become a picture of neglect today. From piles of liquor bottles, garbage strewn around, the conversion of the site into a parking lot during village fairs, or weeds over-running its 53 acres, the issues seem to be endless here.
The Nallur Tamarind Grove was declared the the country’s first biodiversity heritage site in 2007. Situated just beyond the Kempegowda International Airport, it was once described by the National Biodiversity Authority as being a “spectacle of awesome wonder and a freakish site.”
The emptiness of the site has attracted many unwelcome visitors to Nallur Tamarind Grove. Hundreds of liquor bottles strewn around testify to illegal parties held here at night.
According to the Karnataka Biodiversity Board (KBB), there are 300 tamarind trees in the grove. They date back to the Chola Period and were a part of the erstwhile Nallur Fort nearly 800 years ago.
A dilapidated stone temple dedicated to Chennakeshava - with impressive friezes depicting courtesans and musicians - is the only reminder of this fort.
The Nallur Tamarind Grove, which was declared the the country’s first biodiversity heritage site in 2007, is picture of neglect today. Right from piles of liquor bottles, garbage strewn around, the conversion of the site into a parking lot during village fairs, or weeds over-running its 53 acres, the list is endless.
The Nallur Tamarind Grove is subject to immense grazing from livestock that feeds on the grass and lower branches. Weeds - particularly invasive lantana and Prosopis juliflora - have over-run the site and surround the tamarind trees on all sides.
The protection of the grove is still a long way away as the local Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) remains strapped for funds.
The emptiness of the site has attracted many unwelcome visitors to Nallur Tamarind Grove. Hundreds of liquor bottles strewn around testify to illegal parties held here at night.
The oldest tree at the Nallur Tamarind Grove was confirmed as being at least 410 years old through carbon dating.