The Nilgiri Documentation Center (NDC) has called for urgent steps to be taken to restore the Government Botanical Garden (GBG) of its lost charms, as the NGO believes that the new garden, being constructed by the Karnataka Horticultural Department could potentially attract more tourists in the long run.
In a press release, the honorary director of the NDC, Venugopal Dharmalingam said that the GBG “could be sidelined” by the new garden, unless the authorities wake up in time.
“The widely acclaimed botanical garden was created 170 years ago by the expert hands of W.G. McIvor who converted a primitive jungle into a beautiful public garden. He turned the swamps into streams of water and ornamental ponds and wild growths into grassy slopes and beds of flowers,” said Mr. Venugopal.
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He said that in the last 30 years, the garden has been steadily losing its botanical importance and was replaced with cement statues, benches and other “unbecoming artificial trappings.” He said that the exotic trees that were uprooted were never replaced while the popular glass horticultural houses have been allowed to deteriorate.
“Public conveniences and food stalls are shabby and insufficient. The once immaculate entrance has became bizarre, filthy and an unregulated bazaar. The gardens have almost lost their botanical significance and become an amusement park,” he added, stating that the new garden being constructed by the Karnataka government has an “idyllic ambiance away from the din and bustle of the town with ample parking and amenities.”