Pune, 11th August 2023: Tucked on the fringes of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, lies the Southern Command HQ of the Indian Army. Pune Cantonment stands as a distinctive amalgamation of nature and military infrastructure nestled in the heart of Pune City, functioning as the lungs of the bustling urban center. Despite its urban surroundings, the cantonment surprises with its rich array of flora and fauna.
It functions as a microcosm of the Western Ghats’ biodiversity, offering a sanctuary for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. The Pune cantonment boasts an impressive variety of plant and animal species, many of which are unique to the region. This makes their conservation a matter of paramount significance.
With the objective of safeguarding the abundant biodiversity of Pune Cantonment, the Southern Command has embarked on a mission to transform it into a designated Biodiversity Hotspot. As part of this initiative, numerous activities have been planned and several have already been set in motion. A distinctive tree census and documentation project has been executed within Pune cantonment.
In parallel, QR code-enabled plaques have been affixed to select trees. These plaques provide instant access to scientific information about the trees, fostering a sense of connection with nature and its crucial role in upholding life. This tree census has garnered essential data regarding the area’s flora, facilitating improved conservation strategies and advocating for ecological preservation. The survey has been conducted with the expertise of trained professionals from the Society for Environment and Biodiversity Conservation (SEBC), Pune, and Trees for The Future (TFTF), Ratnagiri.
The next phase of the project entails the creation of the ‘Tiranga Tunnel.’ This historic endeavor aims to instill national pride while promoting environmental responsibility. The ‘Tiranga Tunnel’ stands as a groundbreaking project, depicting the colors of the national flag through flora in an innovative manner. Subsequent stages of the biodiversity project encompass the development of biodiversity parks, the establishment of a lung-shaped garden in the Race Course, the creation of tree-lined avenues, the introduction of a Nakshatra Udyan, and the restoration of natural habitats and water bodies.
In the pursuit of realizing the ‘Tiranga Tunnel,’ the Southern Command has collaborated with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), which shares the goal of preserving Pune’s distinctive biodiversity. Additionally, the collaboration includes the Himalaya Wellness Company, a prominent wellness brand committed to promoting health and well-being, and the Society for Environment and Biodiversity Conservation (SEBC), which has played a pivotal role in supporting biodiversity conservation initiatives over the years.
