This park will come out with flying colours

NEW DELHI: The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary will soon have a new attraction in the form of a butterfly park, expected to house both common and rare species found across the capital. Despite multiple delays in the project which took close to two years, the three acre park is finally expected to be functional by the start of November with the promise to host more rare species than any other place in Delhi.
Plants native to the region and nectar-rich flowers have already been planted to attract the psychedelic creatures inside the park.
Officials say close to 90 different species can already be seen across the sanctuary and the number is expected to rise by the time the park becomes functional. “Depending on the season, visitors can come across about 45 species every season. Plants in the park have been selected so that different species are attracted here.
Each plant may attract a different kind of butterfly and so we have already started seeing rare butterflies inside,” said Sohail Madan, centre manager at Asola.
Madan stresses special importance will be given to preserve the natural environment of the butterflies. Under the plan, elevated walkways will be built for visitors to view these creatures from above while getting a view of the surroundings. Entry will be free.
“The walkaway was designed to ensure that the natural habitat does not get disturbed. Visitors will also be guided on the various kinds. It can be a good way to learn about different species and should be interesting especially for school children,” said Madan.
Several water bodies have also been revived inside the butterfly park area to bring in more species commonly found near water. Sign boards giving visitors information about the species may be placed in the future according to officials. The project is being carried out under the direction of the forest department. “Sightings of rare butterfly species already show that there is a healthy ecosystem inside Asola Bhatti,” said a senior forest official.
Officials inside the park are already pointing to sightings of rare butterflies, seen in the last few months. While a common mime was spotted on July 12 after 59 years, other butterflies like painted lady and common pierrot have also been spotted recently.