Forest dept takes up works at Tree Park

The Forest department has take up development works, worth Rs 50 lakh, at Salumarada Thimmakka Vriksha Udyana (Tree Park), situated at 80-Badagabettu near Manipal.

The Tree park was laid at a cost of Rs 1.25 crore on six-acre of land by the Kundapur and Udupi forest ranges. A large number of students, senior citizens and public were visiting the park to enjoy its beauty. Owing to lack of maintenance, children’s play area and play materials were spoiled over a period of time.

Now, the forest department has chalked out plans to provide more facilities at the park to attract visitors by taking up development works.

The works have already started. The rope adventure wherein one can move from one tree to another was a centre of attraction at the park. In addition, a waterfalls will be created. To furnish details on animals and birds, boards will be installed at the park.

Further, to highlight the culture and heritage of tribals, who are the traditional dwellers, various art works will be installed. Watch tower and tree house are also being constructed, said RFO Clifford Lobo.

In the first phase, works on walking track and installation of information boards on trees, medicinal plants, animals, reptiles, birds and butterflies have been completed. Tree hut, swing, art works highlighting Yakshagana, Huli vesha, Bhoothakola, Tattiraya, Kambala, bullock have also been installed.

On an average 200 visitors visit the park daily. The number increases to 700 during the weekends. Toilets, drinking water facility and a canteen have also come up at the park.