Thanks to the various new initiatives taken by the horticulture department, the garden not only look more greenery but it is also well maintained.

Lalbagh Botanical Garden Deputy Director Dr M Jagadeesh said that implementation of various methods like use of compost materials, neem based bio products, tree surgery and installation of sprinklers has contributed to the new look of the garden. Further, he said that no chemical fertilisers or pesticides are used.  “The oil extracted from the neem is sprayed on the plants, which serves as natural pesticide. And, the neem cake, which is also has disease resistant capacity are mixed with the soil, making it a good organic manure,” he said.

Food for growth
Another method is use of compost material. In this method, the dry leaves, plant with soft roots and other bio-residual are collected and put in a compost pit, which is 3ft in depth. The extra grass removed while mowing the lawn are also added to the pit. The materials in the pit will take two months to get decomposed,” he said, adding that around 80 such pits are there in Lalbagh.

On tree surgery, he said that branches of some tress would have not spread evenly. As a result, most of these trees would be balanced only at one side, which can pose a threat especially if there are strong winds as there is possibility there might get uprooted, he said. Therefore, the department identify such trees and and cut-off the extra growth so that the tree is “balanced.”

A team comprising five experience members has been constituted and provided training including cutting the extra branches without damaging the tree. The department has also taken measures to recharge ground water by using crescent bunds  against the slope.

 “There are a few sloppy areas in the garden. When the crescent bunds are used the water gets stagnated. The stagnated water will percolate through the soil and enter the ground, thus recharging the ground water,” Mr Jagadeesh said.