DW BUREAU / Shimla Himachal Pradesh's first ethno Botanical Park, aiming to conserve the endangered and vulnerable species of plants and trees of Kangra, Una, Bilaspur and Hamirpur districts in lower Shiwaliks hills, is being set up in a 26.10 hectare Unprotected Forest area in Bangana sub-division of Una district in Himachal Pradesh. The construction work of the Park will be completed by August, 2022, said Himachal Pradesh Rural Development and Panchayati Raj minister, Virender Kanwar, who also holds portfolios of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries. The minister, who hails from Una, said the ethno Botanical Park is being developed by the Forest department in convergence with the Rural Development department and Tourism department of the state with a total cost of Rs 8 crore. It is adjacent to Govind Sagar Lake to associate young minds, nature lovers and enthusiasts to gain knowledge about floristic biodiversity of the region. The Park will be home to about 150 rare varieties of plants and trees spread across two blocks. Many of these have been acquired from different nurseries, said Kanwar. One block will be set up adjacent to Govind Sagar Lake to promote seasonal visits of migratory birds to the different wetlands situated in the district and facilitate bird photographers and bird watchers to promote tourism in the area and another one on the right side with lush green forest. The latter will feature 6-8 kilometers of eco trail, forest observation post and sitting areas. This part of the Park is naturally endowed with many plant species. "The idea behind developing this is to learn while walking. All the species present here will be having signages depicting brief descriptions about plants," said the minister. He said a modern nursery is planned exclusively for promoting and raising the species found in lower Shivalik hills focusing more on native species. Nursery raising techniques for native species would be standardized and documented. Forest observation posts are planned at a strategic location from where one can feel the vastness of the entire stretch of the forest and the Govind Sagar Lake. "This would be a great asset for bird watchers and nature lovers," he said. The main developmental activities will be undertaken in 2 hectares of visitors' zone of the Botanical Park, which will be made accessible for visitors, research scholars, students, and nature lovers. "Some of the special features of the Ethno Park include wooden bridges, café, souvenir shops, parking facilities, wooden houses, gazebos, kids play area and open gym. The Park will generate employment opportunities for around 1000 people, the minister said. The district Administration has allotted around 4 crore to achieve the objective of ethno Botanical park. The state Forest department has allotted a budget for construction of forest observation post, while the rain water harvesting structure will be constructed in the park with initial cost of around Rs 62 lakhs under prestigious 'Jal Bhandaran scheme' to create water bodies that can store 8 ? 10 lakh liters of water. The Una Forest division is planning creation of an Interpretation centre and undertake other developmental works with estimated cost of Rs 2 crore during next financial year, he said. The minister said eco trails and eco tracks are also being planned for the whole area to uncover the hidden plant biodiversity under the Eco Tourism Livelihood Programme. Approximately 8-10 kilometres long eco trails would be made from locally available stones to cover the entire area. There are around 10 different sections at the park based on the category of plants. Among these, the laser area, night garden and Butterfly Park are expected to attract many tourists. The Greenhouse and Ayurveda garden will be the venue for botanical knowledge sharing. (editor@dailyworld.in)