Date:27/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/27/stories/2008102755300600.htm

Tamil Nadu

Botanical garden plan for Kolli Hills near Namakkal

S. Ramesh

Proposal submitted to Central Government for funds

Photo: E. Lakshmi Narayanan

Pristine environs: A panoramic view of the Kolli Hills. —

NAMAKKAL: Kolli Hills may soon have a botanical garden. The district administration has submitted a proposal to the Central Government seeking funds for this.

The garden, with a large variety of plant species, is sought to be developed atop the hills on the lines of gardens at Udhagamandalam. The district administration has identified the required land.

Herbal farm

“We have about 100 acres of land, which was earlier held by the government herbal farm in Kolli Hills.

We are going to use 50 acres of it initially and develop one of the best gardens in the State,” Namakkal Collector U. Sagayam said.

The Collector promised that the garden would retain the hills’ biodiversity and sustain its ecological health while encouraging visitors to develop an understanding of the natural world.

Ban on plastic bags

“Sustained efforts will be made to protect the pristine environment of the hills.

Initially, we plan to implement a total ban on plastic and polythene bags in the hills,” he said.

Amenities at other places of interest, including the Akasa Ganga waterfalls and the Arapaleeshwarar temple in the hills, have been improved.

A plan to expand the water-holding area of the Vasalurpatti Lake boat house is under consideration.