Exploring the Dinosaur Era Plants in the Mrig Vihar Nursery, Almora

(Mohan Bhulani) : Mrig Vihar, located in Almora, Uttarakhand, is not only a sanctuary for wildlife but also a conservation center for endangered flora and fauna. The Forest Department has established a nursery in the area where they are nurturing various plants, including those from the dinosaur era, grass, and flowers. This initiative has the potential to provide a new direction for the district and the state in the field of research, in addition to attracting tourists.

Tourists visiting Mrig Vihar can observe other animals such as Guldar, Ghurd, Deer, and White Monkey. However, they can now also witness endangered plants alongside these wild animals. Visitors can learn about the importance of these plants, the reasons for their extinction, and their uses in daily life.

According to Forest Officer Ashutosh Joshi, one of the most special plants in the nursery is the Ginkgo Biloba (silver fruit) from the dinosaur era. This plant from China has Ayurvedic properties, and its leaves, root, and bark contain multivitamins and minerals that provide essential nutrition to the body. It also has antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-platelet elements, making it useful in the treatment of various diseases such as heart disease, asthma, vertigo, fatigue, glaucoma, blood pressure, and depression.

In addition to Ginkgo Biloba, the nursery also includes species such as Livervatus, Mass, Fern, Cycas, Pine, Orchid, and others. Ferns and Ginkgo are considered to be the dominant plants of the early dinosaur period.

The nursery also features endangered grasses and flowers, such as rye grass, Sita grass, ferry grass, salam grass, vimosia grass, azalea, camellia, rosemary, and lemon flower. Rye grass is especially useful in preventing forest fires, which are becoming increasingly common in Uttarakhand. It remains green throughout the year, even in winter.

Botanical experts emphasize the importance of preserving Ginkgo Biloba since it was abundant on mountains during the dinosaur period but is now extinct in most places. The conservation initiative in Almora is a positive sign, as the plant is now found only in some parts of China.

The Forest Department of Mrig Vihar is dedicated to enriching the nursery further and preserving endangered plants for future generations.