The Madhya Pradesh government has designated 100 hectares of land near capital Bhopal as a biodiversity heritage site, issuing a gazette notification to formalize this decision. Consequently, no construction can occur in this area without approval from both the National and State Biodiversity Boards.
This newly protected area encompasses the lush green hills of Chandanpura and Damkheda villages, situated near the Kaliasot Dam. These picturesque hills are part of the Water and Land Management Institute (WALMI) campus, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department of Madhya Pradesh.
On Saturday, the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department officially declared 98.791 hectares within the WALMI campus as a biodiversity heritage site through a gazette notification. Any future construction in this region will require explicit consent from the Biodiversity Board.
With this addition, the number of biodiversity heritage sites in Madhya Pradesh has increased to five.
Significance of Biodiversity Heritage Site in Bhopal
The hills of the WALMI campus are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. According to the state government's notification, the area supports 151 animal species, including 29 reptiles, 7 amphibians, 14 squamata (scaled reptiles), 13 mammals, 71 bird species, and 15 butterfly species.
The hills also boast 171 varieties of trees and plants, with 53 species known for their medicinal properties and 8 classified as rare. Additionally, numerous other plants and grasses contribute to the ecological diversity of the region.
Situated on the banks of the Kaliyasot Dam, these hills are ecologically significant, making their preservation crucial. Their status as a biodiversity heritage site underscores their importance at both the state and national levels.
Biodiversity Heritage Sites in India and MP
As of February 2024, there were 47 biodiversity heritage sites in India, according to the National Biodiversity Authority. The first site, Nallur Tamarind Grove in Bengaluru, Karnataka, was designated in 2007.
Five biodiversity heritage sites in MP
Madhya Pradesh has five biodiversity heritage sites:
Sirpur Pond, Indore
Patalkot, Chhindwara
Amarkantak, Anuppur
Naro Hills, Satna
WALMI Campus, Bhopal
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