Opening its largest biodiversity park in Haldwani on World Environment Day (5th June), the state of Uttarakhand made headlines. The park, a natural reserve teeming with a multitude of plant and animal species, is an embodiment of biodiversity – the variety and variability of life on Earth. In alignment with this year’s World Environment Day theme ‘Celebrate Biodiversity,’ the park offers a rich display of diverse ecosystems.
Unique Features of the Park
The park stands out for its multiple unique sections, each offering something special to its visitors. It houses thematic gardens, a soil museum, species of plants, lichens, mosses and algae from the Jurassic era. Additionally, it comprises a vermicompost unit, an interpretation centre, and a state-of-the-art weather station.
Wide Array of Plant Species
The park boasts of 40 unique sections, comprising a total of 479 rare plant species of cactus, medicinal herbs, different types of trees and much more. The various species of plants have been sourced from diverse terrain such as Niti Mana Valley and even some glaciers near Kedarnath. Niti Mana Valley, located near the India Tibetan Border in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, adds a distinct richness to the park’s biodiversity.
Classification and Distribution of Plant Species
The plant species within the biodiversity park are divided into several categories based on spiritual & religious significance, scientific value, contribution to human health, and aesthetic appeal. The spiritual section is particularly intriguing as it houses trees mentioned in holy scriptures like the Guru Granth Sahib, Quran, Bible, and others.
Soil Museum and Interpretation Centre
The park features a soil museum that displays the different kinds of soil found in various topographies of Uttarakhand — alpine, bhabhar, sub-mountainous, mountainous, tertiary, loam, terai. This adds another layer of learning for visitors, aiding their understanding of soil types and their significance.
The Interpretation Centre within the park serves as an educational hub where various environmental concepts and conservation issues are explained. Topics include global warming, forest river ecosystems, species extinction, internal communication of plants and more. The centre also addresses recent developments like the spread of viruses from animals to human beings.
Significance of the Biodiversity Park
The biodiversity park is a testament to Uttarakhand’s commitment towards preserving and celebrating Earth’s biodiversity. It provides an immersive and educational experience for visitors, cultivating awareness and appreciation for nature’s variety. Moreover, by integrating spiritual and aesthetic elements along with scientific information, the park showcases the interconnectedness of all life forms and our shared responsibility to protect them.
