Bengaluru to have first forest-turned-ecoparks in Kannamangala

Picture used for representational purpose only

Bengaluru: East Lalbagh, a botanical garden is soon to be opened to the public In Bengaluru. It is spread over 70 acres. The garden that is located in Kannamangala is one of the four forest-turned eco-parks to be set up as part of ‘Bengaluru Mission 2022’.

Earlier, the government had granted Rs 5.50 crore for this eco-park, modelled on the iconic Lalbagh botanical garden.

Forest Minister, Arvind Limbavali said, “The park will be home to 2,120 plant species and will be the second in the city after Lalbagh that upholds conservation and biodiversity. Citizens will be able to utilise the park for walking, jogging, and relaxation. Construction work is almost complete.”

Officials of the horticulture department stated that the landscaping at the park has been planned using methods such as intercropping, multi-storied cropping and mixed cropping. Horticulture department joint director, Dr M Jagadeesh said, “More species of medicinal and ornamental plants will also find a space here from now on.”

He told that the area has been a coconut garden for many years. He said, “Coconut species from at least 15 countries were brought to this former farm in Kannamangala during the tenure of Dr M H Marigowda, considered the father of horticulture in India.”

Also, to prevent water shortage, five mini ponds have been set up for rainwater harvesting. A senior government official informed that it would take another three months for the park to operate. He said, “We are inaugurating it now as the CM is scheduled to visit a nearby area for another event. The wait will end in another three months as we will complete all the works by then.”

The three similar eco-parks under construction are at Machohalli, Turahalli and Kadugodi.

A forest department official said, “Development works were underway to meet a June-end deadline but the completion is likely to be delayed now due to lockdown restrictions.”

As part of ‘Bengaluru Mission 2022’, CM Yediyurappa had earlier declared the construction of four botanical parks in the four corners of the city, on the limes of the iconic Lalbagh Botanical Garden. The government said that this was done to expand the lung space and green cover in Bengaluru.