Aravali park too valuable an asset to lose, say experts
save ers, and about 40 different types of grass, which, in turn, provide a habitat for 183 species of birds and at least 38 species of butterfly.
“In contrast, New York’s Central Park occupies 823 acres, but houses only 283 species of birds,” said birder Sourajit Ghoshal, who has authored a book on ABDP’S avian population.
The park also provides sanctuary for various mammals and reptiles, including nilgai, mongooses, civet cats, jackals, monitor lizards, vipers and geckos.
Noted environmentalist Pradip Krishen said the park is too valuable an asset to lose because it “exemplifies sustainability.” Parks in India have historically been developed as ornamental spaces, with pruned hedges, manicured lawns and non-native flora. “This takes a lot of resources and the problem with resources is that they are finite,” Krishen said. Such enterprises, like Delhi’s Lodi Garden, require large amounts of fertilizer, water, and maintenance. “It’s all showy, and belies a poor ecological perspective from state horticulturists,” Krishen added.
Moreover, this model is often replicated in other areas, to disastrous results. “Take the Buddh Jayanti park, which was set up in 1968 in Delhi’s Central Ridge area, in an arid terrain similar to the Biodiversity Park. Here, they planted species you would find in the Lodi Garden, which has water lying just below its rich alluvial soil. However, the Buddh Jayanti Park is now unraveling at the seams because no one foresaw this basic difference in climate or how it would affect the growth of vegetation,” Krishen explained.