While we all are beneficiaries of the so-called growth and development of Bengaluru, it also had another sad face which went unnoticed. At the same time this unprecedented urban sprawl also brought in greater loss to our environment. It gradually started to wipe out one of the most beautiful, colorful and the most attractive flying beauties of Bengaluru - the Butterflies…! In fact the butterfly populations have been constantly and severely dwindling over the last two decades.
And this loss is especially and particularly evident in Bengaluru and its surroundings areas, where green spaces, woodlots, lakes and ponds have shrunk by amost 65% or even more. It is also noticed that there has been a 70 percent loss in Bengaluru urban spaces as compared to 45 percent in the peri-urban regions. It's a significant loss, because these butterflies act as an indicator for the well-being of a wider and larger ecosystem and the status of several species of insects that are not studied thoroughly.
According to many studies and research restoring butterfly populations in various gardens, urban green spaces and also in the peri-urban regions can bring in greater benefits to several other species and thereby improve the health, wealth and well-being of the human population. Hence, in this background setting up of a Butterfly Park or a Garden for these flying beauties in the select area in Cubbon Park is a welcome move.
The proposed Butterfly Park / Garden will not only serve as a much needed respite for these lovely creatures but it will also be an ideal urban space to sensitize the children and the younger generation about their importance.
The Park can also serve as a Hotspot for students, researchers, nature-lovers and others with a range of academic, research & recreational interests.
