Visitors to the garden in Aarey Colony can witness 15 different species of butterflies
With an attempt to increase the number of butterflies seen in Aarey Colony, a Goregaon resident along with other nature-lovers has set up a butterfly garden near Aarey Milk Dairy. Visitors to the garden can view 15 different species of butterflies everyday. The initiative was started by Sandeep Athalye in May, and is dedicated to his father. According to Athalye, his father planted over 3,500 trees in Aarey Colony a few years ago as a nature enthusiast.
Over a period of six months, Athalye undertook six plantation drives along with nature-lovers to plant different varieties of nectar plants that attract butterflies. Speaking about the butterfly garden, he said: "Over 350 plants were planted in the six plantation drives. We want it to be a dense forest garden which attracts the butterflies, rather than a walking space. Before starting with the initiative we carried out research by meeting plantation experts who work on the ground level to know about the butterflies and which plants attract them."
Butterfly species which can be seen in the garden include common jezebel, common rose butterfly, blue tiger, common wanderer, great orange tip, grey pansy and striped tiger to name a few. While, the garden is the brainchild of Athalye, many individuals and groups came forward to fund and contribute the initiative. "A lot of cost is involved in the logistics and in protecting the garden. Over seven nature-lovers and three organizations came forward to fund the initiative. We are still looking out for more funds," he said.
While, Athalye and his wife Varda researched on how to develop and maintain a butterfly garden, they are now studying about the different butterfly species and are trying to identify the species which visit the garden daily.
"We will start organic composting inside the garden area so that we can use it for plants. Many people came forward to donate their plants which they grew at home. We also plan to conduct another plantation drive and see the response of the butterflies. After we are assured that the development stage is complete, we are thinking of conducting activities to make citizens aware about the butterflies in this area," Varda said.
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