‘Arogya Van’ to give healthy dose at SoU

Bharuch/Vadodara: Tourists visiting the Statue of Unity (SoU) can now get the first hand knowledge of medicinal plants that have been used in Ayurveda since many centuries. A medicinal park ‘Arogya Van’ spread across 17 acres of land was inaugurated at SoU in Kevadia of Narmada district on Monday.
A dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the work on this park began in December 2018 and was completed in a record time of one year by the state forest department.
Pratik Pandya, deputy conservator of social forestry, Narmada, told TOI: “Aarogya Van has been developed with a variety of plantations that exhibit a wide range of medicinal plants and health-related landscapes. The idea behind developing this garden is to raise an awareness about the role played by medicinal plants in the wellness of people. We have also put emphasis on yoga and meditation as it is an integral part of a person’s well-being.”
One of the key highlights of the park will be an Aushadh Manush — a human body made using plants and shrubs. Each human organ represents a medicinal plant that is beneficial for that particular organ. The herbs and plants are meant for six senses of the human body.
The park is also home to garden of colours, alba garden, lutea garden, aroma garden, yoga garden, indoor plants section, digital display, souvenir shop and cafeteria serving Ayurveda-based foods with tribal music being played in the background.
Also, many household plants that are useful in our daily life have been put on display along with explanation of their usage.