Delhi gets its third biodiversity park in Tilpat Valley

Spread over about 69 acres, the landscape includes grasslands and hilly terrain and has 105 plant species, 103 birds, 32 butterflies, 15 herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) and eight mammalian species

Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Anil Baijal inaugurated the Tilpat Valley Biodiversity Park on Saturday.

Spread over about 69 acres, the landscape includes grasslands and hilly terrain. It has 105 plant species and so far 103 birds, 32 butterflies, 15 herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) and eight mammalian species have been recorded here.(Hindustan Times)

This is the third green space of its kind after Yamuna and Aravalli Biodiversity parks developed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

The park is nestled between Tughlaqabad and Asola- Bhati wildlife sanctuary.

Spread over about 69 acres, the landscape includes grasslands and hilly terrain. It has 105 plant species and so far 103 birds, 32 butterflies, 15 herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) and eight mammalian species have been recorded here including large population of Indian rock python, small cat, jackals, and neelgai. Leopard was also spotted by locals in Tilpat valley, said the press statement issued by the authority.

Following the opening of the park, L-G said that the biodiversity parks should facilitate cultural and recreational activities to promote community participation.

“L-G expressed that the wealth of medicinal plants of the park should be used for product development by pharmaceutical companies in association with the Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. He also pointed out that AYUSH should utilise the medicinal plant wealth of DDA biodiversity parks in health care system,” said the press statement issued by the Baijal’s office.

Present on the occasion were DDA vice-chairman Udai Pratap Singh and Tilpat valley Biodiversity Park ecologist and project incharge CR Babu.

With an aim to preserve the relics of Aravalli vegetation, wildlife and enhance ground water level, the DDA has been developing the zone since 2015, said an official of the DDA.

“It is an initiative for conservation of natural heritage and enhancement of quality of urban environment by the DDA. The L-G appreciated our effort. He also desired to develop a three-storey vegetation strips to mitigate air pollution level in the city,” he said.