A butterfly park developed by the Forest Department in a village near the India-Bangladesh international border in Tripura’s South district is now a major attraction for tourists from different parts of the country and Bangladesh.

The Butterfly Ecopark at Chhotakhola, close to Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, is the first butterfly park in the Northeast. It was inaugurated in 2016 with 250 species of butterflies on 5.5 hectares of land.

“Many tourists are visiting the butterfly park. Domestic tourists and also from neighboring Bangladesh. The park is near the endangered bison park in Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary and the Indo-Bangladesh Friendship Park commemorating the Bangladesh Liberation War. Hence, tourists can see three Spot in one tour”, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Krishnagopal Roy told PTI.

He added that there is a breeding facility for the winged creature and many plants that are a favorite of the butterfly are planted to create a good habitat for the insect and at times artificial foods are also distributed.

Tripura Tourism Minister Sushant Chowdhary said that Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary and its surrounding areas attract a large number of tourists and this will help in the economic development of the state.

Choudhary stressed the need to develop a tourist circuit integrating other attractions of the region.

According to wildlife and environmental experts, butterflies are considered an indicator of good ecological balance and healthy nature.

The forest department has decided to promote butterflies as an aspect of tourism development in Tripura as tourists from the state and even from outside travel can see butterflies in flocks moving from one side of the park to the other. Have experienced a pleasant presence.

“There is a lot of scope for promoting butterflies as a tourist attraction as the state has many plants with medicinal properties that grow naturally, and harbors more than 250 species of butterflies. All these butterflies have their own unique characteristics. character. And give the audience an unforgettable experience”, said Roy.

Forest officials said the department has conducted surveys across the state and found that such parks can be set up at twenty more places.

“Butterflies have a very short life span. They live only from 15 days to about 30 days. But even in such a short time, butterflies bring joy to people. They play an important role in beautifying the ecosystem of the environment. ” Chowdhary said.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), KS Shethi said, “Tripura, despite its small size, has no dearth of wildlife and biodiversity. Tripura is home to about 250 species of butterflies. These colorful butterflies attract everyone including children. likes.” Therefore, the forest department is trying to increase the number of butterflies to make the state’s tourism industry more attractive.

According to wildlife and environmental experts, butterflies are considered an indicator of a good ecological balance and healthy nature.

According to sources in the Tripura Forest Department, “Tripura has ample scope for promoting butterflies as a tourist attraction. The state, which has its own diversity of flora… shelters more than 250 species of butterflies. These All butterflies have their own distinct species.” distinctive character and give the audience an unforgettable experience”.

Meanwhile, in its effort to promote the butterfly, the Tripura Forest Department recently declared the “Common Birdwing” as the state butterfly and has taken some steps to promote the ancient insect as a tool to attract tourists. .

It is also possible to earn a large amount of foreign exchange by exporting butterflies.

“Just as a butterfly gives an early warning of an environmental disaster, it also plays a special role in protecting the natural environment. Climate change can be learned by observing the behavior of butterflies.”

“Butterflies are not only a subject of beauty or research, but are also of economic importance. Importing and exporting butterflies commercially can generate a business of millions of dollars every year. There are 20 to 30 million dollars worth of butterflies around the world every year. Butterflies are traded”, said forest officials.

Expressing concern, the minister said, “In recent times, the number of butterflies and their natural habitats are decreasing alarmingly due to global environmental pollution caused by humans and climate change. That is why there is a need to preserve them. “

The text of this story is published from a wire agency feed without any modification. Only the headline has been changed.