Adding colour to gardens

PUNE, July 22: Until last year the well at the University of Pune was an immersion spot for Ganesh idols. Not this time round though. Per...

PUNE, July 22: Until last year the well at the University of Pune was an immersion spot for Ganesh idols. Not this time round though. Persistent efforts to desilt it have paid rich dividends with the university saving its water cess amounting to lakhs and also using the well water to support its abundant flora and fauna.

An ambitious renovation project has been undertaken by the additional directorate of parks and gardens, located at the university. Efforts are on to usher in self-sufficiency, give a fresh look to the 8220;lotus pond8221; and introduce 8220;play apparatus8221; at the university park.

If the university has enjoyed the top priority on the agenda of the directorate, the gardens at the Central Building, circuit houses old and new, collectorate and inspection bungalow have not been overlooked. Sinking of bore-wells and installation of motor pumps at these places have, not surprisingly, led to disconnecting the Pune Municipal Corporation8217;s water meters.

Says W R Mhaske, additional director of parks and gardens: 8220;We have saved water cess amounting to Rs. 25,000 per month for the university and nursery by installing two pumps at the well. It now provides water for the lawns and the park. Similar measures at the inspection bungalow, circuit house and Central Building have saved over Rs. 15,000 per month on water cess.

The directorate maintains and develops parks and gardens. Its jurisdiction extends over the University of Pune, Aga Khan Palace garden, Bal Apang Kendra garden at Aundh, Central Building, DCP-CID, district court, Ryewood Park, Lonavla, circuit house at Satara, town hall garden at Kolhapur and the rest house at Miraj.

The university lawn near the main building has got new sprinklers. And it won8217;t be too long before visitors to the sprawling campus and its verdant park will find shiny new slides and swings at the university park. The lotus pond will be given a new lease of life by replacing the faulty flooring to prevent water seepage, Mhaske said.

The directorate, which has hosted several flower shows, has set up its own nursery and centre of ornamental plants at the Council Hall. Don8217;t be surprised if asters and calendulas greet you round the year. The seasonal flowers will be a permanent feature at the university.