Madurai's First Eco Park Inaugurated in Melur to Foster Biodiversity and Environmental Learning
Madurai has officially launched its first eco park in Melur, marking a significant step towards conserving local flora and fauna while providing a nature-based recreational and educational space for the public. The park, themed 'Gene conservation to nature learning,' is designed to integrate biodiversity conservation with environmental awareness, serving as a model ecological hub.
Project Details and Development
Set up at a cost of Rs12 lakh by the state forest department under the Agro Forestry Research Division (AFRD) in Madurai, through the Perumalmalai Research Centre, the facility will take approximately one month to open fully to the public. This delay is due to the ongoing installation of paver blocks in the cycling and walking paths. Phase 1 of the park is expected to be fully completed by the end of March, after which it will be accessible to visitors.
P Banupriya, assistant conservator of forests at AFRD and the driving force behind the project, emphasized that rapid urbanization has reduced access to natural green spaces, particularly in semi-urban areas. She stated, "Melur Eco Park aims to address this by creating an eco-friendly public space that promotes conservation awareness, environmental education, and community engagement." She added that the park is envisioned as a model green space in the region, encouraging people, especially students and nature enthusiasts, to connect with nature and understand the importance of conserving biodiversity and genetic resources for future generations.
Key Attractions and Features
The eco park boasts several thematic sections designed to enhance visitor experience and ecological learning:
- Butterfly Garden 'Wings of Melur': This garden features host and nectar plants to attract native butterfly species, along with puddling areas and flowering clusters to support pollinator diversity. It offers educational opportunities on butterfly life cycles and plant-pollinator interactions.
- Medicinal Garden: Showcasing important herbal plants, this section highlights the value of traditional medicinal knowledge and native plant species.
- Sensory Garden: Containing aromatic plants, colourful flowers, textured leaves, and bamboo species, this area stimulates sight, smell, touch, and sound, providing an immersive nature experience.
- Nature Trail and Green Mobility Loop: A 2.5km shaded path under native trees offers walking and cycling routes for visitors to explore the park's natural beauty.
- Bird Watching Zone: Designed to support avifaunal diversity, this zone allows for ecological observation and bird monitoring activities.
- Eco-Friendly Children's Play Area: Built using sustainable materials like wood, bamboo, stones, and ropes, the play area includes balance logs, stepping stones, rope climbing frames, and sand play areas, promoting safe and nature-friendly recreation.
Future Plans and Inauguration
Banupriya revealed that in 2027, the authorities plan to utilize existing funds and an additional Rs10 lakh to enhance the park with more facilities, benches, and a ticketing counter. The eco park was inaugurated by K Prakalathan, director and head of the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET) Centre for Skilling and Technical Support. The event was attended by forest range officer Jeevana, S V Jayasankar from the Perumalmalai Research Centre, Melur research range, AFRD, and students and staff from Govt Middle School, Vellaripatti, who participated in the launch activities.
This initiative not only provides a recreational outlet but also serves as an educational platform, aiming to inspire a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and environmental stewardship among the community.
