Forest department ‘ignorant’ of Himayat Bagh flora & fauna

Jan 2, 2022

Aurangabad: Even though Himayat Bagh is considered a rare habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna by the conservationists, the forest department is apparently ignorant of the fact.

In its affidavit submitted before the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay high court, the forest department has allegedly failed to underscore the importance of the Mughal-era garden as one-of-its-kind biodiversity hotspot.

In regard to the diverse population of birds present at the Mughal-era garden, the forest department has said “There is no report by any authority pointing out the existing list of birds/species present at Himayat Bagh”.

The affidavit, the copy of which is available with TOI, reads: “Although based on newspaper cuttings, presence of endemic birds in the Himayat Bagh area has been pointed out, but in absence of report of the competent authority, the same cannot be accepted.” The written submission has been made by the authorities during the hearing of public interest litigation (PIL) that seeks proper conservation of the Himayat Bagh.

Criticising the forest department for poor knowledge of Himayat Bagh, honorary wildlife warden of Aurangabad Kishor Pathak said the affidavit submitted was very different from the reality.

The Mughal-era garden has unique biodiversity with a wide range of flora and fauna. It houses different unique plants, shrubs, creepers and trees besides being home to over 160 different resident and migratory birds. All these facts should have reflected in the affidavit.” he said.

When contacted, assistant conservator of forest (forestry division) Arun Patil, who has filed the affidavit on behalf of the forest department, gave evasive answers. “We do not differ with the fact that Himayat Bagh is a biodiversity hotspot. More official studies are needed to explore the flora and fauna at the historic place,” he said.