Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal
Vidhan Sabha Speaker Dr. Sitasaran Sharma today dedicated the state’s first Butterfly Park at Gopalpur in Raisen. Public Works Minister Rampal Singh was also present at the programme presided over Forest Minister Dr. Gaurishankar Shejwar.
There are 65 species of butterflies in the park that is spread on three hectare area. Apart from a congenial atmosphere developed for breeding of butterflies, nearly 137 varieties of saplings have been planted in the park. A trekking track has been made for the people to view the butterflies.
Dr. Sharma said that the Butterfly Park is an important initiative of the Froest Department in the conservation of nature. The park will not only provide a place for people and children to have proximity with nature but will also increase their general knowledge.
Dr. Shejwar said that the park will give a new identity to the state in the field of eco tourism. He lauded officers and employees of eco-tourism board who played a significant role in the construction of the park.
Dr. Shejwar said that arrangement has been made in the auditorium of the park to give detailed information to children about butterflies, wild animals and nature.
Competitions connected with nature and environment will be organized in the auditorium. Trekking track will be adventurous for children. He said that a Machli Ghar is being planned at the park in future.
Public Works Minister Rampal Singh said that tourists visiting Raisen district will now be able to enjoy at the Butterfly Park along with the historic sites. He said that a survey of losses incurred due to hailstorm is being conducted. Affected farmers will be given all possible assistance. Chief Executive Officer of Eco-tourism Board Pushkar Singh gave detailed information about the construction of Butterfly Park.
The guests released a brochure based on the Butterfly Park. The brochure contains information of the species and life-cycle of butterflies.
Vidhan Sabha Speaker Dr. Sharma, Forest Minister Dr. Shejwar and Public Works Minister Singh gave away prizes to the winners of the painting contest organized by Forest Department and Butterfly expert Saran Mahatre.
District Panchayat President Smt. Anita Kirar, Sanchi Janpad President S. Munian, Additional Chief Secretary Deepak Khandekar, Chief Conservator of Forests Animesh Shukla, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wild Animals) Jitendra Agrawal, Managing Director of Forest Development Corporation Ravi Shrivastava besides officers/employees of the Forest Department were present on the occasion.
