This story is from April 15, 2019

Aravalli Biodiversity Park tells tale of 13-year course correction

Aravalli Biodiversity Park tells tale of 13-year course correction
The biodiversity park has 18 different species of mammals as also 26 of reptiles and 113 different kinds of butterflies and moths.
NEW DELHI: The near-irreversible damage done to the Aravalis by human greed in the name of development is well chronicled. However, there is still some hope of saving the hills, as is evident from a visit to the Aravalli Biodiversity Park on the outskirts of the city.
1

What started as an experiment 13 years ago at a 692-acre plot near Vasant Kunj has seen the area being transformed with 20 different forest communities developed — all by planting native species to produce a three-tier forest.
The number of plant species has increased from 150 in 2005 to 902 in 2018.
M Shah Hussain, scientist in-charge at ABP, told TOI that the work began in 2005 with several landscaping surveys carried out to prepare a list of plant and tree species suitable for each area. Hussain said each location displayed mini-habitats, forcing them to choose species accordingly.
“There were 150 plant species in 2005 when we began work in the area. The last survey in 2018 revealed a total of 902 species. Similarly, 31 aquatic plants were added in the last 13 years to revive waterbodies in the area,” Hussain said.
The biodiversity park has 18 different species of mammals as also 26 of reptiles and 113 different kinds of butterflies and moths. Three rare bird sightings were also made recently. “We sighted the Indian pitta here after 70 years, a pied hornbill after 40 years and a black eagle after 90 years, a good indicator that the habitat is conducive to animals and birds,” Hussain said. He added that work on around 400 acres of the
biodiversity park was complete so far.
Nature trails are conducted daily at the park now, with sightings of porcupine, civet cats, Indian hare and golden jackals all being a part of it. “The next step is to extend these forest communities and eventually cover the entire 692 acres. People are encouraged to take part in nature trails and discover more about the Aravali range,” Hussain said.
Suhas Borker, founder member of Green Circle of Delhi, an environment group, said focused efforts in the Aravalis could help shape their revival. “The recent directions of the Supreme Court against construction in the Aravalis is a welcome step. While damage may have been done, it is a deterrent to those trying to encroach upon this terrain, which has already been mined considerably,” said Borker, speaking at a conference recently on “How to protect the Aravalis and its importance to Delhi”.
Faiyaz Khudsar, scientist in-charge at the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, said keeping in mind the habitat was crucial for reviving the area, with ABP and other green pockets acting as major centres for carbon sequestration and dust trapping. “The Aravali range is a natural barrier against dust storms and a three-canopy forest level, such as the one developed here, not only traps dust but also actively helps in carbon sequestration. The water holding and recharge capacity of the area, therefore, naturally improves,” Khudsar said.
End of Article
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA