Botanic Garden in Noida to be upgraded: Harsh Vardhan

The Botanic Garden of Indian Republic (BGIR) in Noida will be made a centre of excellence in preservation of Rare, Endangered, Threatened (RET), and local plant species, Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan has said.

At the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the development and upgradation of the Botanic Garden at Noida yesterday, he said it will be developed as one of the most distinct botanic gardens with modern-day landscape.

"The garden is being developed and upgraded with the objectives of collection of plant species, research, training, environment education, public awareness, aesthetics and entertainment through protection of plant biodiversity.

"This is also being done with a view to make the Botanic Garden, Noida, a centre of excellence in the preservation of Rare, Endangered and Threatened (RET), and local plant species," the Union minister said, adding another objective is creation of public awareness through education on plant biodiversity and its need.

On the occasion, Union Minister of State for Environment Mahesh Sharma said this is the largest Botanic Garden project in Delhi-NCR, which will become a fountain head of knowledge for a large number of youth and students.

He said creation of a virtual museum on the garden's premises will also provide the youth information on botany and endangered plant species will also get protected.

It is estimated that the ambitious project will cost around Rs. 400 crore.

Sharma reiterated the pledge to complete this project in a time-bound manner, though it has been delayed for almost 20 years.

"This garden will be developed as an important tourist spot in Delhi-NCR region," he said.

According to a statement from the ministry, protection of plant biodiversity and natural resources is the need of the hour in the present day context of climate change.

In order to meet this objective, the Botanical Garden of India Republic (BRIG) project was started, which could help preserve the endangered vegetation in the country.

The landscape of this park, spread over 163.5 acres, will be transformed and a gene bank, seed bank, herbarium unit, orchid house, cactus house, nursery, plant biodiversity, research facility, education and maintenance will be developed in the Botanic Garden, the statement added.