Lalbagh: Western Ghats Miniature Wonderland Blooms

Nestled in the heart of Bangalore, the famed Lalbagh Botanical Garden is poised to unveil a botanical spectacle of unprecedented proportions. Brimming with life and purpose, the garden has embarked on an ambitious endeavor – crafting its very own rendition of the renowned Western Ghats, a tribute to the biodiversity gem that graces India’s landscape.

The buzz surrounding Lalbagh has been rekindled, and for an extraordinary cause. This urban oasis is set to birth a mini Western Ghats within its verdant expanse. The transformation began on August 1 when 240 saplings from 132 distinct species were ceremoniously planted. Nestled behind the iconic Lalbagh rock, adjacent to the southern gate, this new ecosystem is a homage to the grandeur of the Western Ghats, often referred to as Sahyadri.

Wonderland Blooms

Stretching ahead, more saplings will find their place within this new enclave, culminating in a sanctuary that is anticipated to welcome the public in the next three to four years. These green ambassadors have been sourced from the Western Ghats’ embrace, hailing from seven Karnataka districts that fall within the Ghats’ embrace. Within this living gallery, a medley of endemic, rare, endangered, and threatened species will flourish.

M. Jagadeesh, the joint director of horticulture at Lalbagh, elucidated that this initiative serves a twofold purpose: preservation and propagation. It’s a testament to the garden’s commitment to expanding its repertoire, inviting new species to grace its 240-acre canvas. With a staggering array of 2,350 species already thriving within its boundaries – some venerable trees dating back two centuries – this new addition is a nod to both the past and the future.

Jagadeesh remarked, “We will simulate rain conditions and a humid environment (of the Western Ghats) intermittently each day.”

The nurturing environment for this grand botanical experiment includes the digging of a borewell for irrigation. Each species will be represented by three saplings, offering a harmonious chorus of biodiversity. Among the 240 saplings, 39 shine as rare gems, while 22 boast the distinction of endemism. Rama patre, Mullu sampige, Murugana huli, Uppaage mara, Saalu dhoopa, and Kiralbhogi are but a few of the names that grace this living tapestry.

As Lalbagh’s new endeavor unfurls, it stands as a testament to the garden’s dedication to preserving nature’s wonders while inviting a slice of the Western Ghats into the heart of Bangalore.