NDMC to make documentary on Lodhi Garden’s flora, fauna

NEW DELHI: The New Delhi Municipal Council will soon make a documentary film on Lodhi Garden’s trees, birds, butterflies and bees which frequent this favourite spot,

NEW DELHI: The New Delhi Municipal Council will soon make a documentary film on Lodhi Garden’s trees, birds, butterflies and bees which frequent this favourite spot, for joggers, revellers and tourists alike.

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Though the idea is in its initial stages, NDMC officials want to make the film world-class, “like a documentary one sees on an international nature or animal TV channel”.

“The idea is to showcase the natural beauty of this place. The different species of trees which you can find here as well as the many types of birds which take shelter in this oasis in the middle of an urban setting,” NDMC chairman Naresh Kumar said.

The garden was established in 1936 and named as Lady Willingdon Park. It was after Independence that it got its present name. In 1968, further development and beautification was done by architect JA Stein.

Spread over 90 acres, it brings together heritage with rare bird and insect species. Structures protected by Archaeological Survey of India such as Mohammed Shah’s Tomb, Tomb of Sikandar Lodi, Shisha Gumbad and Bara Gumbad are housed here.

The Lodhi Garden has a national bonsai park, herbal garden, bamboo garden, butterfly zone, lotus and lily pond and the tallest (35.5m) tree in Delhi, Buddha Coconut. The rose garden has around 5,000 plants.

Birders say the move will help document the different avian species frequenting Central Delhi. “Lodhi Garden is a good birding spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers due to the vast green coverage provided by old trees, bushes and grassland in the heart of Delhi. This film is an encouraging step,” Ecologist and conservationist TK Roy said.