Learn about nature at this park

The Forest Department plans to open a unique tree park off Tannirbhavi beach to strengthen the bond between children and nature. It is slated to be open to the public from next month.

“Spend your leisure time here along with your family and learn about the nature,” Chief Conservator of Forests (Mangalore Circle) Sanjay Bijoor said. The park has been developed on about 60 acres of forest land near Yojaka Shipyard. “A walk along the pathway gives all the information about the biodiversity of this area and the region,” he said.

The entry fee per head is Rs. 10. “There is a tree like structure and sculptures of children around it at the entrance to symbolise the fact that the future of environment protection is with the younger generation,” Mr. Bijoor said.

Visitors will then be moving along Casuarina trees that are in the area for several years. In addition, the department has planted trees such as ‘honne’ and almond. People can also find species of jackfruit, ‘hebbalasu’, ‘punarpuli’ and bamboo found in the Western Ghats. A medical garden has also been prepared where herbal plants and shrubs are found in strips. “Boards have been placed to give information about these trees,” Mr. Bijoor said.

They have also recreated a tribal settlement. An information centre has been built where signage boards are set up to provide information at a click of a button. It will also have information about the marine biology, biodiversity and facts related to the marine ecosystem. A small children’s park, canteen and volleyball play area too have been set up.

Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests K.S. Sugara said the park was part of a scheme meant to make the department people friendly. This park has been developed at a cost of Rs. 1.65 crore of which Rs. 70 lakh was spent on fencing the area, he said.

Minister for Environment and Forests B. Ramanath Rai inaugurated the renovated forest guest house on Saturday. The guest house built in 1990 had been in a dilapidated condition for several years and had been closed. It has been renovated at a cost of Rs. 61 lakh.