NEWS: Prakriti Gyan Dham, India’s first-of-its-kind Eco-Educational Hub, was established at the Maharishi Parashar Bioresource Centre (MPBC), Banthra, Lucknow.

ABOUT

• Developed by: CSIR–National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI).
• Purpose: A living repository showcasing India’s botanical and cultural heritage.
• Combines scientific research, biodiversity conservation, environmental education and cultural interpretation.

KEY FEATURES

• PAaVan Path: Heritage trail showcasing diverse ecological regions and plant collections.
• Indian Heritage Garden: Historical trees with QR-enabled audio guides, including trees linked to the 1857 Revolution, Dandi March and Mahatma Gandhi.
• Vibhav Enclave: Conserves rare, threatened and endangered Indian plant species.
• Bhairav Enclave: Living map displaying State Plants of Indian States & UTs.
• Bamboosteum: Collection of 43 indigenous and exotic bamboo species, highlighting carbon sequestration, soil conservation and sustainable livelihoods.

SIGNIFICANCE

Promotes biodiversity conservation + environmental education + India’s botanical and cultural heritage through an interactive living repository.