Conserve Native Biodiversity

Empress Botanical Garden, a green paradise in the heart of Pune.

INTRODUCTION

Empress Botanical Garden, a green paradise in the heart of Pune is a 39 acre bio-diverse expanse situated near Pune racecourse. A rare & towering trees with dense green foliage, giant climbers is a green heritage site not only to this city but for the state of Maharashtra. It is an institution of living collection of plants, a centre of public education, major recreational place for the citizens and most of all, conserve Pune’s natural environment & biodiversity for the generations to come.

Our mission for the Empress Botanical Garden is to conserve native biodiversity, establish a centre for scientific research and environmental education with to provide an unique ecotourism destination for the citizens of Pune.

HISTORY

Sir John Malcolm, then Governor of Bombay state established a trust called Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India in the year 1830. Some of the earlier members of the trust were famous botanist Dr. Birdwood, Dr. Heddle, Dr. Jagannath Shankar Seth, David Sasoon, Jamsheji Jijabhoy & others.

It was ten years later, Bombay’s  Rani Baug was also established under the Society. In 1853, Botanical Garden in Kirkee was established. For number of years the Society was looked after  by various  committees. At a later stage, it was under Dr. C. D. Deshmukh and Sardar Mudaliar. Later on, Sir Jamshedji Jijibhoy established Bund Garden in Pune. During Queen Victoria’s visit to India, in her honour, the present garden was christened as Empress Botanical Garden. In the year 1892 the Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India took over the management of Empress Botanical Garden Pune and it is  being maintained presently without any financial assistance from the Govt.

PRESENT MANAGEMENT

Mr. Rahul Bajaj is no more. So Mr. Prataprao Pawar is the new president of society that manages the garden. Renowned roasrian Mr. Suresh Pingale as Hon. Secretary and Dr. Phiroz Poonawalla as Hon. Treasurer. They have been actively guided and supported by the experts in the field, Padmavibhushan Dr. Madhav Gadgil world renowned scientist & environmentalist ,  Padmavibhushan Dr. Vijay Kelkar economist & senior bureaucrat, Prof. S. D. Mahjan well known botanist, Smt. Sumantai Kirloskar- environmentalist, Mr. Yashawant Khaire Ex. Chief Parks PMC, Smt. Sunita Kalyani & Smt. Ritu Chabria an indusrialist, Smt. Aupama Barve Ex. President Pune Rose Society, Mr. Amit Pokarna rosarian & nurseryman, Mr. Uday Borawake progressive farmer.

DEVELOPMENT 

VEGETATION– There are many rare exotic and indigenous trees are grown and preserved in the garden. Majestically tall White Shireesh (Kinai), 250 t0 300 years old Banyan, Baobab (Gorakhchinch), Cannon ball tree( Kailaspati), Brownia and Christmas are some of them. There are almost 150 species of tree are growing healthily in the garden. Management is taking efforts to enrich the garden with more and more trees every year by planned tree plantation drives. The garden is also home to the giant climbers (lianas). The sprawling Maloo creeper (Kanchanvel) with its thick branches & white fragrant flowers is always a sight to hold. The serpiginous climber of Pilook with its white inflorescence & reddish fruits, the Garambi with longest sized pods and large size seeds are the unique species in the city. Climbers like Madhavi-lata with white flowers and Jewel Vine (mothishirli) a giant one are the jewels the Garden’s crown.

PLANT NURSERY– A dedicated 5 acre space is allotted to the plant nursery. Under the canopy of large trees variety of saplings are   grown for the plantation in the Garden and for the sale to the public at reasonable rates. The special efforts are being made to develop the saplings of Indigenous and wild plants to enrich the biodiversity of the garden.

Children park area has been renovated with latest play equipment’s and beautiful fountain.

A NANA -NANI PARK isolated space for senior citizen has been developed to care of elderly visitors in the Garden.

A Fern house, organic farming, display boards with information, seating places etc are the new additions in the Garden.

RUPA RAHUL BAJAJ CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT & ART has been established recently in the Garden. With the approval of Govt. the centre has been developed to impart knowledge, undertake research and to provide hands-on experience to various age groups visiting the Garden.  This centre will help to achieve the objectives of nature conservation & environmental education   for which Society is working for.

ANNUAL EVENTS 

Annual fruit flower and vegetable show is being organized every year in the Garden. The objective is to display the variety of plants, flowers, fruits & vegetables for the observation and study of the public which helps in creating awareness & love for the nature.  Garden is been decorated with thousands of flowering & ornamental plants. More than 30,000 to 40,000 people visit the show every year. Many stalls are installed for the sale of plants, seeds & garden tools & equipment for the benefit of visitors. Feature gardens, various displays, Bonsai show, flower arrangements, nature photography, know your trees etc are the added attractions of the flower show.

A forum named “Friends of Empress Garden” holds monthly meetings in the Garden. Members and invitees do discuss various issues related to the environment and nature conservation.

Garden is made available to the various artists for the exhibition and workshops.