Nagaland University inaugurated its newly developed Botanical Park at the headquarters in Lumami on Wednesday. The park was formally opened by Prof JK Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, in the presence of senior university officials, faculty, staff and students.
Those present at the inauguration included Dr. Abemo, Registrar; Dr Albert Khizho, Finance Officer; Er Yanrenthung Ezung, Controller of Examinations; Heads of Departments; faculty members; officers; and students.
Initiated earlier this year, the Botanical Park has been envisioned as a dedicated space to conserve rare and endemic plant species of Nagaland and the wider Northeast. The park currently houses rare banana varieties, species of Zingiber, and several medicinal plants, along with a collection of flowering plants to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area.
The university stated that the park will serve multiple purposes from providing a green space for employees, research scholars and postgraduate students to unwind, to offering a venue for health-oriented activities such as walking. Its indigenous plant collections are expected to attract researchers and plant enthusiasts interested in study, preservation and appreciation of native biodiversity.
The Botanical Park is also expected to play a key role in the conservation of endangered and threatened plant species of Nagaland.
The development and curation of the park have been supervised since its inception by Dr Neizo Puro of the Department of Botany, Nagaland University.