ZP to develop biodiversity hotspots on lines of ''Kaas Pathar'' to attract tourists

Aurangabad, Oct 17:

The Zilla Parishad chief executive officer (CEO) Mangesh Gondawale today informed that, on the lines of Kaas Plateau in Satara, the administration had also prepared an action plan to develop plateaus (biodiversity hotspots) in different parts of the district. Accordingly,

the distribution of beans is starting from tomorrow (Sunday) at Sarola, Ghatnandra, Halda-Dakla, Shulibanjan, Gautala, Aamkheda, Bahulkheda, Fardapur and Jarandi.

Kaas Plateau or Kaas Pathar comprise of seasonal wildflowers grown naturally on the plateau. This colourful flora attracts the tourists in large numbers. There are numerous species of flowering plants at the plateau. Generally, the wildflowers on the mountains and the valleys often attract the passers-by.

The CEO mentioned that the floral project is implemented in coordination with the local gram panchayats, forest department, schools, colleges, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Agriculture University and Forest Conservation Committee.

We will level the surfaces, mark plots to develop wildflowers of various species known to the local villagers. The project is a tourism promotional initiative, he added.

To undertake cultivation of flowering plants next year, the ZP will be conducting a competition to encourage the collection of seeds of local wildflowers, rare species etc. from October 10 to November 30. The desirous villagers should register themselves at the local gram panchayat and collect a minimum stock of 10 kgs of seeds.

The administration will give cash prizes of Rs 5,000, Rs 3,000 and Rs 1,000 respectively to first three positions at the village level. The cash prize to top three positions at the district level will be of Rs 10,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 respectively), said Gondawale.