Pune: Newly inaugurated ‘Aundh Bio-Diversity Park’ is home to 156 bird and 24 butterfly species besides others
All bird photos clicked at Aundh Bio-Diversity Park. Courtesy: Tree Public Foundation
The newly inaugurated bio-diversity park at Vishal Nagar, Aundh boasts of hosting some 156 species of birds, over 24 species of butterflies, and thousands of other vertebrates and invertebrates.
It will be a vital research resource for students, researchers, environmentalists, and scientists. Opened on Tuesday last week, this zone will serve as a research hub, offering a unique opportunity to study a thriving ecosystem in the heart of Pune.
Over 10,000 native saplings have been planted across the 20-acre zone surrounding the Shivneri Biodiversity Lake as part of the Indian Army’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
This initiative is a part of a broader 12-year commitment by local organizations such as Shivneri Brigade, Tree Public Foundation, and Cummins India Foundation in collaboration with the Indian Army to foster a native and scientifically balanced ecosystem around Pune.
The Aundh Biodiversity Zone is already home to a diverse array of wildlife, including 156 bird species, 24 butterfly species, and thousands of other vertebrates and invertebrates. The zone’s scientific design, based on meticulous studies of the soil and local insect populations, has been key to its success. According to Abhishek Kawitkar, President of Tree Public Foundation, the planting of specific trees, such as mango and chikoo, was based on extensive research to ensure the right conditions for encouraging biodiversity.
Kawitkar said that this initiative not only supports environmental conservation but also engages the scientific community. “Our aim is to provide the scientific community with the opportunity to work on large-scale live projects. The biodiversity zone will help mitigate pollution, address the urban heat island effect, and enhance the city’s green cover, ultimately improving air quality and reducing temperatures,” he said.
The Tree Public Foundation, a city-based NGO, has been spearheading the creation of green lungs for Pune, working in collaboration with the Indian Army for over a decade. This partnership has led to the establishment of a sustainable ecosystem, characterized by a biodiversity lake spread over 2 acres, designed to support bird nesting and roosting.
Citizens can visit the bio-diversity park by appointment. Interested individuals must contact the Tree Public Foundation through its website, after which permission from the Indian Army will be sought, subject to verification.
