Bamboo Biodiversity Project
The “Meri Maati, Mera Desh” biodiversity project has taken root on the Yamuna floodplains, aiming to revitalize India’s natural heritage through ex-situ conservation. This project, driven by the Department of Forests and Wildlife and directed by Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, is a significant step towards preserving India’s rich biodiversity.
This topic of “Bamboo Biodiversity Project” is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination, which falls under General Studies Portion.
The Approach: Ex-situ Conservation
The “Meri Maati, Mera Desh” project adopts an ex-situ conservation approach. Ex-situ conservation involves the preservation of species outside their natural habitat, often in controlled environments like botanical gardens or arboretums. This approach is essential for safeguarding plant species facing threats in their native habitats.
Extensive Coverage Across India
This project boasts an extensive coverage area, encompassing a wide range of plant species from across India. These plants represent the biodiversity of regions spanning from Jammu and Kashmir to Lakshadweep and from the Western Ghats to Arunachal Pradesh.
Planting Details at ‘Bharat Kunj’ Bambusetum
The heart of the project lies at the ‘Bharat Kunj’ Bambusetum, situated on the Yamuna floodplains. Here, an area spanning 12,000 square meters has been designated for this ambitious endeavor.
Diverse Bamboo Varieties
One of the project’s highlights is the cultivation of bamboo, with more than 53 bamboo species taking root in this dedicated space. In total, 2,120 bamboo plants have been planted, showcasing the remarkable diversity of this versatile plant.
Melocalamus Indicus: A Monopodial Bamboo Species
Among the bamboo species, the Melocalamus Indicus variety stands out. A total of 4,068 plants of this monopodial bamboo species have been strategically placed along the periphery of the Bambusetum.
A Timely Initiative: Commencement in August 2022
The “Meri Maati, Mera Desh” project kicked off in August 2022, under the favorable circumstance of land being freed from encroachment on the Yamuna floodplains. This initiative underscores the commitment of the Department of Forests and Wildlife to environmental conservation and the protection of India’s invaluable biodiversity.
