Tropical butterfly park project enters last phase

By the end of this year, if you happen to come across different species of butterflies buzzing and fluttering around, then it's time to plan a trip to the Tropical Butterfly Park in Srirangam. According to forest department officials, the upcoming butterfly park at Upper Anaicut Reserve Forest in Srirangam has now entered its final phase of construction and is expected to open by December 2014.

The park, which is being built on 25 hectares of land, was scheduled to be opened in March 2014, but, due to severe financial crisis and other official reasons, the works got delayed. However, the Rs 8.67 crore project has now picked up pace and the public works department (PWD) officials are working full time to throw it open to the public by December.

According to the forest department officials, at least 39 local species of butterflies would be reared in the park. At present, the construction work of indoor conservatories, where the butterflies will be reared, are underway.
Talking about the project, Trichy district forest officer (DFO) N Satheesh, said, "The specialty of the laboratory is that the visitors will be able to watch the live rearing and the development of the species from egg to pupae and then into a butterfly."

These indoor conservatories will have air-conditioners and green houses to enable the butterflies to reproduce under natural conditions. At least two or three conservatories have been planned inside the 25 hectare compound. Meanwhile, a total of 10 acres has already been opened for public.

"In the initial years, the butterfly park would be rearing only local species. But as we progress further, we would also be able to rear rare varieties as its construction is being done keeping future projects in mind. Moreover, we also need permission from the Central Zoo Authority as it falls in the Wildlife Act," said Satheesh.

In a study that was conducted before its implementations, it was found that at least 39 species of butterflies were constantly visiting the locality. This prompted the officials to come up with a butterfly park, which according to them is first-of-its-kind in the nation. This pet project of Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa was launched in early 2013," he said.

Meanwhile, a large number of nectar plants and host plants are now being raised in the park by the forest authorities. The project also constitutes of a 'Nakshatra Vanam' (Star Forest) which is filled with trees that are related to the zodiac signs and stars of Indian astrology.

Like the butterflies, even the people of Trichy are also eagerly waiting to throng the park as the district lacks a perfect tourist destination. Deepa S, a resident of Srirangam said the place is already being frequently visited by several people. "If it is opened by December, then it would be an apt place to take kids during the Christmas vacation," she said.