Melur eco park to help conserve genes, raise awareness

Madurai: Madurai has got its first eco park at Melur with the authorities formally launching the biodiversity and nature-based recreational space meant to conserve local flora and fauna while providing environmental education to the public. Set up at a cost of Rs12 lakh, the facility will take a month to be open to the public as paver blocks need to be laid in the cycling and walking paths.Themed ‘Gene conservation to nature learning,' it has been set up by the state forest department under Agro Forestry Research Division (AFRD), Madurai, through Perumalmalai Research Centre. The park is designed to be a model ecological and educational space, integrating biodiversity conservation with environmental awareness. The initiative focuses on conserving native genetic resources while creating a nature-based learning environment for students, researchers, and the public. One of the key attractions at the park is the butterfly garden called "Wings of Melur", developed with host and nectar plants to attract native butterfly species. The garden includes puddling areas and flowering clusters to support pollinator diversity and provide opportunities for visitors to learn about butterfly life cycles and plant-pollinator interactions.The park also features thematic sections, including a medicinal garden showcasing important herbal plants, and a sensory garden containing aromatic plants, colourful flowers, textured leaves, and bamboo species to stimulate sight, smell, touch, and sound. A nature trail and ‘green mobility loop' of about 2.5km provide shaded walking and cycling paths under native trees.Other highlights included a bird watching zone designed to support avifaunal diversity and ecological observation, and a nature-friendly children's play area built using eco-friendly materials such as wood, bamboo, stones, and ropes. The play area included balance logs, stepping stones, rope climbing frames, and sand play areas.P Banupriya, assistant conservator of forests, AFRD, who was behind the execution of the project, said, "Rapid urbanisation reduced access to natural green spaces, especially in semi-urban areas, and Melur Eco Park aims to address this by creating an eco-friendly public space promoting conservation awareness, environmental education, and community engagement." "The eco park is expected to serve as a model green space in the region, encouraging people, especially students and nature enthusiasts, to connect with nature while understanding the importance of conserving biodiversity and protecting genetic resources for future generations," she added.Phase 1 of the park will be fully completed by March end, following which it will be open to the public. Banupriya said that in 2027, they plan to use existing funds and an additional Rs10 lakh to add more facilities, benches, and a ticketing counter as well.The Eco Park was inaugurated by the K Prakalathan, director and head of Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET) Centre for Skilling and Technical Support. Apart from P Banupriya, forest range officer Jeevana, and S V Jayasankar from Perumalmalai Research Centre, Melur research range, AFRD, were present. Students and staff from Govt Middle School, Vellaripatti, also participated.