Pics: Joshwa D'Souza
Daijiworld media network - Mangaluru (JD)

Mangaluru, Mar 26: In a unique intiative to conserve trees and at the same time promote beach tourism, Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister and Karnataka's forest minister B Ramanath Rai on Saturday March 26 inaugurated the newly-built Tree Park at Tannirbavi here.

Addressing the gathering Rai said, "As medicinal plants play a vital role in curing diseases, there is a need to grow them more. As Deye Baidethi, mother of twin heroes of Tulu Nadu Koti and Chennaya was an Ayurveda medicinal expert, a medicinal plant garden is coming up at Padumale in Puttur taluk in her name. The work on the garden is over and it will be inaugurated shortly."

Informing about the plan of setting up another biological park at Gundya near Uppinangady, Rai said, "There is a need to preserve different species, hence a biological park will be set in the forest land in Gundya near Uppinangady in Puttur taluk. An eco-urban park is also planned at Pilikula Biological Park, for which the government has already earmarked Rs 5 crore. As this eco-urban park needs many facilities, another Rs 5 crore will be allotted next year. Various nature camps will also be held at the available land with the forest department in order to create awareness among the public on the need to preserve forests," Rai added.

Chief conservator of forests (Mangaluru circle) Sanjay S Bijjur delivering the introductory speech said, "Though there are over 40 tree parks in Karnataka, this Tree Park in Tannirbavi stands as unique, as it is located near the beach side and on the banks of Gurpur river. The motive behind the Tree Park is to encourage a bond between humans and nature and forest. People would be allowed to access the Tree Park free of the cost until April 5 and a nominal fee will be charged later." 

Minster for fisheries K Abhaychandra Jain, MLC Ivan D'Souza, MLA J R Lobo, DK district deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim, chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden Vinay Luthra, assistant forest conservator, Mangaluru division A Shridhar Nayak, deputy forest conservator K T Hanumanthappa among others were present.

Spread over two portions of land - nine acres of Gurupur river-front land and another 22.5 acres on the beachfront - the Tree Park has plant species from the Western Ghats as well as herbal ones. The park also has a children's area, a cultural area, a food court, beachfront amenities and much more. The amenities include an information kiosk, beach volleyball court, and beachfront relaxation area with pargolas for those who want to stretch their visit beyond the Tree Park.