Nagpur: The public movement against the inter-model station coming up at Ajni is not just a fight to save thousands of historic trees but also to protect a thriving biodiversity habitat which is home to a variety of species of birds, insects and butterflies.
TOI has been regularly reporting about the severe environmental damage that will occur if the proposed transport hub and an inter-model station come up at Ajni. Recently, different environment experts surveyed the area and found it to be a rich biodiversity hotspot.
A team of entomologists visited the area and recorded over 22 different species of insects, particularly butterfly. “We spotted some butterfly pairs too, of tailed jay, angled castor and few others. The fact that they are found in pair is an indication that the habitat is quite healthy. We also spotted honeybees,” said entomologists Shubham Chhapekar and Mamta Bhadade.
Not just insects, the lush green area is also home to over 25 bird species, reveals a survey done by ecologist Chetan Pandey and birder Ojaswara Pathak. From state bird yellow-footed green pigeon, bird of Nagpur oriental honey buzzard to white throated kingfisher, coppersmith barbet, purple sunbird and various others, the area has dynamic bird activity. “Chopping down the trees will lead to habitat degradation which will cause immense biodiversity loss,” said Pandey.
Adding that bees and birds are significant ecological servants, he said, “They act as pollinators and help in seed dispersal and pest control. To ensure that we get their ecological services, we need to protect their habitat.”
The trees that face axe from the project also hold immense ecological value. “Most of the trees are of native species. There is a wide variety — climbers, herbs, shrubs and small and big trees. The most important part is that the trees have great canopy which makes them ideal habitat for birds. Right in the middle of the city, it is refreshing to find so many birds that too in winter season,” said Prachi Mahurkar, partner at Punarnava ecological services and eco-design solutions.
As the trees are age-old and large in number, the carbon sequestration is efficient. “If the trees are cut and the project comes up, the area will face high air and noise pollution. The quantity of particulate matter in the ambient air will also increase,” added Mahurkar.