A butterfly park developed by the forest department in a village near the India-Bangladesh international border in the southern district of Tripura has now become a major attraction for tourists from different parts of the country and Bangladesh.
Butterfly Ecopark at Chottakhola near Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary is the first butterfly park in Northeast. It was inaugurated in 2016 on 5.5 hectares of land with 250 species of butterflies.
“Butterfly Park is visited by many tourists. There are domestic tourists as well as from neighboring Bangladesh. The park commemorates the Liberation War of Bangladesh near Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary and Indo-Bangla Maitri Park’s Endangered Bison Park. So, tourists can see three. Places in one tour”, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Krishnagopal Roy told PTI.
He said that there are breeding facilities for winged creatures and to make a good habitat for insects, many plants that butterflies like are planted and artificial food is also distributed from time to time.
Tripura Tourism Minister Sushant Chaudhary said that the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary and its surrounding areas will attract a large number of tourists and this will help in the economic development of the state.
Chowdhury emphasized that the tourist circuit should be developed by integrating other attractive places in the region.
According to wildlife and environmental experts, butterflies are considered to be an indicator of good ecological balance and healthy nature.
The Forest Department has decided to promote the butterflies as tourist attractions of the state as part of Tripura’s tourism development and also from outside to experience the mesmerizing presence of butterflies in flocks moving from one end of the park to the other.
“There is ample opportunity to promote butterflies as a tourist attraction as the state has its own diverse flora with many plants of medicinal value growing naturally here, and shelters more than 250 species of butterflies. All these butterflies have their own distinct character. And the viewer has an unforgettable experience. Give experience”, said Roy.
The forest officer said that the department can establish such parks in 20 more places after conducting a survey across the state.
“Butterflies have a very short life span. They live only for 15 days to 30 days. But even in this short period, butterflies bring joy to people. They play an important role in beautifying the ecosystem of the environment”, Chaudhary said.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), KS Sethi said, “Despite the small size of Tripura, there is no dearth of wildlife and biodiversity. Tripura has around 250 species of butterflies. These colorful butterflies are loved by everyone, including children. Therefore, to make the state’s tourism industry more attractive, forests The department is trying to increase the number of butterflies.”
According to wildlife and environmental experts, butterflies are considered to be an indicator of good ecological balance and healthy nature.
According to Tripura Forest Department sources, “Tripura has ample opportunities to promote butterflies as a tourist attraction. The state with its own unique flora… shelters more than 250 species of butterflies. All these butterflies have their own unique character and give the viewer an unforgettable experience.”
Meanwhile, in an effort to promote the butterfly, the Tripura Forest Department recently declared the “common birdwing” as the state butterfly and took some steps to promote the pristine insect as a tool to attract tourists.
A large amount of foreign currency can also be earned by exporting butterflies.
“Butterflies also play a special role in protecting the natural environment by providing early warning of environmental disasters. One can learn about climate change by observing butterfly behavior.
“Butterflies are not only a subject of beauty or research, but also of economic importance. Commercially import and export of butterflies can lead to a business worth millions of dollars every year. There is a global trade in butterflies worth 20 to 30 million dollars every year”, said forest officials.
Raising the issue of concern, the minister said, “Due to environmental pollution caused by humans and climate change in the world, the number of butterflies and their natural habitat is decreasing alarmingly, so it is important to protect them.”
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