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Inauguration of Bannerghatta Butterfly Park

The Bannerghatta Butterfly Park was inaugurated on 25 November 2006 by Honorable Union Minister for Science, Technology, and Earth Sciences Sri. Kapil Sibal and Honorable Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Government of Karnataka Sri. Chennigappa.

The Butterfly Park is located near the Bannerghatta National Park on the outskirts of Bangalore. It is spread over an area of 7.5 acres and includes a 'butterfly trail' in a five acre garden and a three-domed structure covering 10,490 sq ft that includes a 'butterfly conservatory', museum and curio shop.

The project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology New Delhi and is a joint initiative of the Zoo Authority Karnataka, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore and Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE), Bangalore. Sri Kapil Sibal highlighted this aspect in his inaugural speech saying that the Park is an excellent example of joint collaboration between diverse institutions.

There was a butterfly release ceremony which added charm to the inaugural function. About 15-17 species of butterflies are present in the Butterfly Conservatory in Dome 1. The other attractions are a museum with kiosk and live size posters with details on butterflies in Dome 2, and an Interpretation Centre in Dome 3. The landscape around the Park is also made butterfly friendly.

The prizes for the school-level Butterfly Painting competition were given away by Forest Minister Sri. Chennigappa and ATREE Director Dr. Ravi Chellam. Children from various schools in and around Bangalore participated in the event. Delhi Public School which has a Butterfly Garden on their school premises also participated actively.

ATREE looks forward to more interaction programs and workshops through the Outreach and Education program at the Bannerghatta Butterfly Park in the coming years.