Andhra Pradesh: From Dumping Ground to Biodiversity Oasis

 Visakhapatnam: In the heart of Visakhapatnam, a lush green park is a vivid reminder of nature's power to thrive on diversity. Created by Dr. Mantha Ram Murthy, a marine biologist and former zoology professor, the park is located on a three-acre plot at the Rani Chandramani Devi (RCD) Government Hospital. Dr. Murthy’s vision was to inspire the people of Visakhapatnam to appreciate and protect nature. Today, the park is home to various plant species, offering a space where people of all ages can connect with the environment and deepen their understanding of the natural world.

In 2001, Dr. Murthy and his wife Mangathayi founded the Dolphin Nature Conservation Society (DNCS) and transformed a neglected wasteland on the hospital grounds into a vibrant biodiversity park. Supported by volunteers, students, and generous donors, the project has grown into a unique conservation effort that now features over 2,000 plant species and 130 butterfly species. Once a dumping ground for plastic and medical waste, the area has been transformed into a flourishing ecosystem, with sacred groves, desert zones, ponds, a greenhouse, and a cacti house. The park also attracts more than 60 bird species, including the Golden-backed Woodpecker, Spotted Owlet, and Purple Sunbird.

The project began modestly, with just 1,000 square feet allocated by the hospital. Dr. Murthy and his team cleared the area of garbage, de-silted the land, and enriched the soil with organic compost. Seeds were sourced from various parts of India, and ex-situ conservation methods were used to protect endangered plant species outside their natural habitats. Today, the park is divided into ten zones, each dedicated to different plant types, from medicinal herbs to ornamental and aquatic species. Among its collection are 500 species of medicinal plants and 300 varieties of succulents. The park’s butterfly population, which feeds on nectar, pollen, and minerals from wet soil, spans six families, further contributing to the park’s ecological richness.

Despite facing persistent financial and environmental challenges, including the devastation caused by Cyclone Hudhud in 2014, Dr. Murthy’s dedication and the support of the local community have ensured the park’s resilience and growth. The project has required an investment of around Rs. 70,00,000, funded by Dr. Murthy’s personal savings, donations from individuals and corporations, and assistance from the district administration. However, the park continues to face funding shortages and requires additional resources to continue its work.

Among the park’s most remarkable features are rare plant species like the Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba) and the Mickey Mouse Tree, which add to the diversity of flora in this unique space. "The flora and fauna of this park exemplify what humanity must learn about life — our deep connection with nature," says Dr. Murthy, whose vision has transformed a once barren plot of land into a thriving sanctuary of biodiversity.

A three-acre area at the Rani Chandramani Devi (RCD) Government Hospital has been transformed into a biodiversity park, attracting nature lovers from across the region.