Butterfly park attracts large crowd

TRICHY: Considered to be the biggest in south India, the butterfly park in Srirangam has garnered attention from people belonging to all walks of life, making revenue of over Rs 40,000 in a single day.
The butterfly park that was constructed at a cost of Rs 8.67 crore has trees planted on its ground based on the Nakshatra Vanam, a way of planting trees in accordance with Indian astrology.Several local species of butterflies are also bred in conservatories at the park.
Within a month of its opening, the butterfly park has raised a revenue of over Rs 3,72,000 with Sunday alone clocking a sale of Rs 40,000. Currently, tickets are being collected as per the Guindy National Park in Chennai, with Rs 20 charged for adults and Rs 5 for children. The forest authorities have assigned officials from the department to maintain and monitor the butterfly park that spans on a 25-hectares plot at Melur in Srirangam.
District forest officer N Satheesh said, "The butterfly park is attracting a large number of people. The revenue collected will be used in maintenance works. Since Christmas the park has been following a revised chart for the fee collection, with Rs 10 for adults and Rs 5 for children. This has been considered as per our recommendation and a government order."
The forest department has reared at least 39 local species of butterflies in the park. The indoor conservatories are equipped with air-conditioners and green houses, making it a suitable ground for butterflies to reproduce.
At least two or three conservatories have been planned on the compound. The pet project of chief minister J Jayalithaa was launched in early 2013. A large number of nectar plants and host plants have also been planted in the park.