Haryana develops ‘constellation garden’ at Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary in Pehowa

Kurukshetra: Haryana's first constellation garden has been developed at the Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary in the Seonsar forest area of Pehowa, with the state govt planning similar projects in other districts.Named ‘Nakshatra Vatika', the garden has been developed by the Haryana Sarasvati Heritage Development Board (HSHDB) and was inaugurated during the previous Van Mahotsav by chief minister Nayab Singh Saini.The project includes plantation of trees associated with the 27 nakshatras mentioned in ancient Indian traditions. Information related to the scientific and traditional significance of each tree has also been displayed for visitors.HSHDB vice chairman Dhuman Singh Kirmach said the project was aimed at connecting younger generations with nature and creating awareness about forests, wildlife and traditional knowledge systems.He said the HSHDB and forest department were also working on a semi-safari project in the area to promote eco-tourism and environmental awareness.Officials said the garden was developed near the forest rest house at the sanctuary with support from the wildlife department.Principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife)-cum-chief wildlife warden Navdeep Singh said the initiative was aimed at preserving traditional knowledge linking trees with nakshatras and zodiac signs. "Our ancestors and shastras connected trees with nakshatras, zodiac and religion so that future generations would protect and nurture them. Our objective is to transfer this knowledge to the next generation and develop a display area," Singh said.Officials said the project would also help create awareness about traditional beliefs linking planetary movements and specific trees with different nakshatras. Encouraged by the response, authorities are planning similar Nakshatra Vatikas in Kurukshetra, Kaithal and the Adi Badri forest area in Yamunanagar district.